“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. ForYou, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favorYou will surround him as with a shield” (Psalm 5:11-12).
We were at Disney World recently with our children and grandchildren, and it was an extremely hot day. It was a miserable kind of heat. I kept looking around at all the little children and babies who were crying, regardless of all the parents could do to show them a good time. There seemed to be a lot of frustration and the little ones wouldn’t even remember most of it by the time the day was over. It was a reminder of how hard we try to find things that bring a little joy and pleasure for a short while.
The world can give us joy only for short spans of time, and then we are left to find something else.Without Christ, no last- ing joy can be found. One may find temporary happiness from amusements and worldly pleasures, while others will spend millions of dollars on possessions trying to find “a happiness fix.”
People’s minds are filled with music, movies, amusement parks, and vacations. They continually seek the latest and greatest in every area of life, but they find no peace or secu- rity. Millions have yet to find a lasting sense of anything that’s real or secure. Multitudes continually give in to the pressures of a society that demands that we find satisfaction in money, position, possessions, and “things.” Yet, it’s all temporary and transitory and only satisfies for the moment. It all may be great until something newer, bigger, or better comes along. The constant craving for satisfaction is sought out in whatever form it can be found. It’s sad to say, but even relationships are easily cast aside if they don’t bring instant gratification. Rela- tionships are quickly discarded for those that are different and can meet more of one’s needs and desires.
Thank God that this is not so with the joy that Jesus gives. His gladness, rest, peace, and security are real and eternal. His joy soothes hurt feelings and heals broken hearts. His joy swells up on the inside of every believer who realizes that He is the real source of joy. How wonderful to know that no matter what comes our way, even during life’s most difficult times, it doesn’t affect our joy. Joy is something found deep within the heart of a believer. Depending on the circumstances surround- ing us, happiness can come and go.
I like the children’s song my kids used to sing. “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me.The world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away.” So shout for joy. Rejoice, for our confidence and our trust is in Him.
