JOY – Continue The Flow
Dr. John Wm. Roberts, ED.D., Contributing Writer
The Advent season has passed! Celebrating the birth of Christ was a joyous time for all who believe. There was joy felt and expressed when family and friends were gathered. The joy of Christ’s birth was expressed and shared during Advent Services in churches and among congregations throughout the world. Is ‘Joy’ seasonal like Advent and Christmas? Kirk Franklin wrote, “Joy, God’s great joy. Joy, down in my soul. Sweet, beautiful, soul-saving joy, Oh, joy in my soul.” When God’s joy is embedded deep within our souls, this joy is to be spread continually, not just seasonally. Some say, “I’m not joyful all the time. There are times when I feel abandoned and alone.” Each of us experiences these life valleys; however, God gives us “Blessed Quietness.”
R.C. Wood wrote, “When waves of affliction sweep over the soul, and sunlight is hidden from view; If ever you’re tempted to fret or complain, just think of His goodness to you. Just think of His goodness to you; Though storms o’er thee sweep, He is able to keep; Just think of His goodness to you.” Knowing the storms we are experiencing will pass, there is peace and joy that comes from the knowledge that God will keep us in His perfect peace. This peace will bring joy to an overburdened soul.
Knowing God’s joy comes from always experiencing God’s goodness in our lives. In Psalm 34:1, David declares, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” David did not say bless the Lord in good times but in all times. If our souls are anchored in God’s love, we have the joy of knowing God will always be there for us, and our praise for God’s presence should be constant each day! Joy brings Peace; Peace brings Love! These are no seasonal emotions only everyday actions. These actions must be spread among all of God’s children. R.H. McDaniel wrote, “Since Jesus came into my heart; Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll Since Jesus came into my heart.” Sea waves continually roll in and out from the shore, which symbolizes God’s joy, which comes in waves. The waves are constant. God shares feelings of joy with us unconditionally. Should not we do the same for God’s children?
Thomas A. Dorsey wrote, “I’ll tell of the Savior, I’ll tell of His favor, I’ll tell it wherever I go. I count every blessing I go on confessing; I’ll tell it wherever I go. Though life is uncertain, I cannot understand, But Thank Him and trust Him, and praise Him while I can. I’ll just tell it, excel it, and let all voices swell it; I’ll tell it wherever I go.”
God’s joy is, and can not be, seasonal. Yes, the past seasons of Advent and Christmas are seasonal; however, they are only reminders of what must be experienced and shared throughout the year – God’s love, and with God’s love comes joy!
