Lasting Joy

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. --John 15:11 NIV
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It’s a pleasantly warm, beautiful, sun drenched, mid-April morning, along the Gulf coast beach of Florida.  A gentle sea breeze accompanies the teal surf brushing the white sands of the shore.  A grandfather is building sand castles and forming water moats with his soon-to-be three year-old grandson as the tide comes in, filling the perimeter of the man’s handiwork.  Grandson is grinning ear to ear, laughing, giggling, running, jumping, and pouring small buckets of water onto the sand fortress, causing major wreckage, much to his delight.  What could be more enjoyable?  The memory of this delightful experience will be timeless, and the joy it brings will be heartfelt and lasting. 
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Unfortunately, every day is not filled with such pleasantness.  Challenges and difficulties are a fact of life, but they are the stimulant for a follower of Christ to draw closer to His strength, love, and empowering Holy Spirit.

True and lasting joy is not determined by circumstances, status, or wealth.  God’s Presence produces our deepest delight and satisfaction.  Every moment is precious if we keep our focus on Jesus. God’s enveloping Presence and His unfailing love are always abiding deep within a believer’s spirit, never departing.  There’s so much of life to appreciate and so much joy to experience.  Let us each allow His joy to be our joy.