*J*O*Y*

Christmas is past. But does that mean the joy is done along with it? This time of year, people decorate their houses with the word "joy", write it in their Christmas cards, and wish people the joy of the season. Now that Christmas is over, people take down their decor, put away the cards, and choose new greetings, but we who love Jesus have the secret to joy that lasts all the year round.

When Christ is at the center of our lives and hearts, we know deep joy that is unlike anything this world has known. Jesus Christ in us is pure joy and living life with Him and being in His presence brings deep happiness. The Psalmist wrote, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand" (Psalm 16:11). Only in the Lord can the fullness, the completion, of joy be found.

Jesus' came to earth to give us abundant life. Through Him, our precious good Shepherd, our lives will be filled with His joy! "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:10b-11). Abundant life doesn't have anything to do with our circumstances, for Paul once said, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). In every season of life, we can have fullness and joy in Christ because it's not dependant on what's going on in our lives, but is dependant on Who is in our lives. True joy comes from Jesus!

In the January Matters of Her Heart, we will be looking deeper at building our joy in Jesus. Looking forward to learning about joy with you! 

In Christ's,

Christina

Soli Deo Gloria ~ To God Alone Be the Glory!