Joy.
It is hard to resist a person who has joy. You find yourself gravitating to them without even realizing the slow, movement forward.
And when you find yourself filled with joy, it’s the best feeling in the world as it is not due to circumstances or people. Joy is simply – there.
But don’t kid yourself. If not on your guard, your joy will slip away as easily as it arrived, for the world waits to steal it away from as many as possible.
It is as if you wake from a fog and realize, “It’s gone.” Its absence leaves you wondering how did it get away? Why did I let it get away? And then, what took it away?
My friend from Hundred Acres was wondering much the same:
“That Accounts for a Good Deal,” said Eeyore gloomily. “It Explains Everything. No Wonder.”
“You must have left it somewhere,” said Winnie the Pooh.
“Somebody must have taken it,” said Eeyore. “How Like Them,” he added, after a long silence.
(quote from … http://www.winnie-pooh.org/eeyore-quotes.htm)
Jesus tells us, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10, NLT)
The enemy of our souls would seek to destroy all which is in our life that brings us joy. But Jesus tells us the very reason He came was to save our souls and give us lives which are rich and satisfying, alive with fulfilling His purposes.
Joy – the emotion which is evoked by well being.
Jesus makes us well. He makes us beings that are well and do well. He also tells us …
“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:11, NLT)
Yes, how like them.
And how like Him …
to make our joy overflow!
Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Tell His Story and Women With Intention and Wedded Wednesday .
He makes us so very well. xo
Isn’t that the truth! Thank God He protects us from the evils of the world (if only we spend time with Him and lean on Him for EVERY thing).. I’ve learned that when I meet someone in a bad mood they are suffering from some pain in their life and its up to me to try and share some of Christ with them – even if it is just through a smile 🙂
Oh and I found you at Three Word Wednesday <3
Yes, we surely can make a difference in the life of those around us. May we lean on Him to remind us of this & to show us how we can spread His joy. Have a blessed Thursday!
How easily our joy can be stolen, slip away…but Jesus’ purpose for us is rich and joy-filled. I love Eeyore but he is so sad. I don’t want to be like him even though I love him. Thank you for the quote and God’s Word today. Visiting from Kristin’s.
Linda, I am torn on Eeyore as well. I love his gentleness and yet, his negativity so holds him back from so much. May we fight to hold onto our joy every day. Have a great Thursday!
Love this post – so true – joy can be stolen from us while we’re busy doing other things. It’s one worth paying attention to. Those scriptures you quote – a great encouragement to me today – love the connection you make with the book too. Thank you!!
Thank you for stopping here & sharing your thoughts. May we fight for joy every day! Have a joyful Thursday!
I must have read and seen enough Winnie the Pooh to remember vividly the expression “How like them”. It gave me a warm feeling this morning as I was reading your post. Who knew there was so much goodness to learn from in Winnie the Pooh. Thank you for making this connection each week.
Mary, I never thought when I started this year off with Winnie the Pooh, that I would continue each week. I have been amazed at the wisdom I have gleaned from him. Grateful you stopped here. Have a great Thursday!
So glad you faithfully join #ThreeWordWednesday, even if I’m totally behind making the rounds from last week! You know I’ve been learning so much about joy this year, so I appreciate this post!
Kristin, no judgment or criticism cast from here. Look at how long it has taken me to respond to your comment 🙂 Seriously, some days (ok, ok, and weeks as well) can so get away from us. So grateful for your encouragement & the community you foster. Blessings!