authentic joy

My favorite way to begin a new year is by listening to what the Lord is saying about the upcoming year.  This year I hear Him saying revival and authentic joy!  As we prepare to literally cover our parlor room walls in the color of “revival” I know this word is deeper than my paint can, and the year will reveal God’s truth one brush stroke at a time.

These words are timely.  The results from my mammogram were sent to my inbox yesterday and are indicative for a follow-up.  Ugh.  Joy is put to the test right out of the gates!

What strikes me about joy is that it is a choice we make despite our circumstances.  Joy is supernaturally empowered, and isn’t something we tap into by might or strength (Zech 4:6).  Authentic joy is dependent on Jesus.  Happiness is dependent on our circumstances.  Happiness can be found in paint colors.  When our identity is rooted in happiness it is shakable.  When a child takes a sharpie to our newly painted walls, happiness crumbles.  Authentic joy comes when our identity is firmly rooted in Christ and in His love for us.  This my friends is joy unshakable.  Its source?  Love.  Authentic joy is not dependent on “marker free” walls.  If we wait for our circumstances (or our parlor room) to be perfect, we may find happiness, but it is fragile and fleeting.  Joy on the other hand is a firm foundation that comes from Christ alone, and His deep love for us.

‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. (Zech 4:6, NKJV)

“Everyone wants to be happy; we make chasing this elusive ideal a lifelong pursuit: spending money, collecting things, and searching for new experiences. But if happiness depends on our circumstances, what happens when the toys rust, loved ones die, health deteriorates, money is stolen, and the party’s over? Often happiness flees and despair sets in.  In contrast to happiness stands joy. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God’s love and work in our lives – that he will be there no matter what!  Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ.”  (NIV Life Application Study Bible)

Joy and revival go hand-in-hand.  The definition of revival is to return to life or to recover it (Websters 1828).  Jesus came to give us life and to give it abundantly (John 10:10).  When we start to live life abundantly through Christ – we start to experience revival.  To revive our life, or to live life abundantly, we must first learn to tap into the joy that is found through Christ alone.  His joy is our strength (Neh 8:10), and is exceedingly abundantly above anything we could ever ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).

Revive: To return to life; to recover life. (Websters 1828)

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10, ESV)

And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.” (Neh 8:10, AMP)

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Eph 3:20, NKJV)

Our souls are longing for what our spirit knows is inherently ours.  Joy is our birthright.  As sons and daughters of the King – we have access to the abundance of Christ (Phil 4:19). Yet, so many of us are searching for authentic joy through happiness.  Joy can only be found in discovering Jesus’ love for us, and that joy is the strength that revives us.

I am convinced that my God will fully satisfy every need you have, for I have seen the abundant riches of glory revealed to me through Jesus Christ! (Phil 4:19, TPT)

As I am writing this, the song “Lookin’ for Love” by Johnny Lee is playing on repeat in my mind, while the Lord reminds me of my writing "Holding Out for a Hero". I invite you to join me there...

Lookin’ for Love (Johnny Lee, 1980)

CHORUS
I was lookin' for love in all the wrong places
Lookin' for love in too many faces
Searchin' their eyes
Lookin' for traces of what I'm dreaming of
Hoping to find a friend and lover
I'll bless the day I discover
Another heart lookin' for love

VERSES
I spent a lifetime lookin' for you
Single bars and good time lovers were never true
Playing a fools game, hopin' to win
Tellin' those sweet lies and losin' again

I was alone then, no love in sight
I did everything I could to get me through the night
I don't know where it started or where it might end
I turned to a stranger just like a friend

You came knockin' on my heart's door
You're everything I've been looking for

No more lookin' for love in all the wrong places
Lookin' for love in too many faces
Searchin' their eyes
Lookin' for traces of what I'm dreaming of
Now that I found a friend and lover
God bless the day I discover
You, oh you, lookin' for love

 

You are still here… hope you are in awe of those lyrics.  Now really... let’s hop on over to “Holding Out for a Hero”.

You can come back… and when you do… take a moment to soak in the beautiful truth of the song Build My Life by Pat Barrett – yet another love song.