Christian Living

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Catch “Joy” If You Can

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” -Philippians 4:4

When I was a kid, I loved to catch those dainty butterflies with slender body and marked wings as they flapped around the colorful flowers in bloom. It gave me so much joy to gaze intently at those amazing, little insects. I’d put them inside an airy bottle and just looking at them gave a smile on my face. Most of the time, I would just let them fly again and what a joy to watch them breathe some flowery scents again!

As years went by, I got distracted by so many other flying objects – those menial tasks and responsibilities thrown on me in succeeding speed, that at times it’s even hard to catch my breath.

Joy instantly became so elusive.

One day, as I was putting on my eye make-up and experimenting on different eye shadow colors to match my dark brown eyes, I was shocked to stare at my own reflection on the mirror - glassy eyes, haggard look , and blank expression. No spark, no luster, pale skin, no joy. It was a scary image , like a mask fit for Halloween.

I’ve been sleep-deprived, exhausted, and missing something. Yesterday, The Holy Spirit filled that missing link. His message was as clear and as loud as the song He brought in my heart.

Before I went to the church yesterday while I was patiently waiting for my son on my way to the church, I opened my old, small Bible that I always carry in my purse. What greeted me was a verse highlighted in yellow, from Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!” I sensed a nudging that I need to memorize this verse this week and apply it in my life . When we arrived at the church for the Sunday worship service, guess what? The sermon was about Joy, and the Key Bible verse was Phil. 4:4. I smiled and thought, “God, it’s You! It’s actually You talking to me!” I felt that inside joy as I felt His presence ever so near, as if He’s sitting right there next to me.

When I got back home, I can not contained my excitement that I kept on humming a joyful melody, an unfamiliar one, but I kept on singing it anyway:

“I got joy, joy, joy within my heart…I got joy, joy, joy within my heart..since Jesus came in my life..” I didn’t make up that song. It just flowed in my lips. Amazing!

I learned that Joy is a mind-set. Joy is an attitude. And Joy is an obligation. It’s one of the fruit of the Spirit. ( Galatians 5:22) Ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling in us. In His presence is fullness of joy. ( Psalm 16:11)
The closer we are to God, the greater the joy will be.

Catch joy if you can. And stay joyful as you remain on the Source –Jesus Christ, our Lord. So flap your wings and spread the joy to those around you. You’ll be surprised an extra dose of joy will return back to you.

Gloria Tiquia

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