Position our Heart to Receive Joy

KATHY GABLER—As we position our hearts to receive the joy of the Lord, may we have the wisdom not to equate JOY with EASE.  If we think JOY means EASE then the least bit of opposition can add discouragement, oppression and depression to the mountains we face.  JOY does not pivot around EASE.   Joy comes on the heels of conflict:  Isaiah 29:19 tells us, The “afflicted” shall increase their joy in the Lord. That statement is both an assurance and a challenge: the temptation and trial process shall not win, nor shall the accuser of the brethren or failure prevail; so we must forge ahead, confident the Joy of the Lord is rooted in overcoming.  Joy confronts the depleting foes of grief, vexation, disappointment, hurt and worry to defy and defeat them. Joy is a by-product of relationship with God.  Joy is not an emotional state.  It is an attitude of the heart that does not bow at the throne of EASE.