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Our Source for Joy

Written by ronda on . Posted in Phoebe Connections.

Psalm 4:7

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound.

True joy does not come from things. If it did, we would not see celebrities and other wealthy people struggle with drug abuse, failed marriages, and even suicidal tendencies. Things are readily at their disposal, but their lives are still in turmoil. Joy must come from another source, and all prosperity is not good.

Grain and new wine here are symbols of prosperity. Without cultivation, however, they will eventually run out with use. Earthly prosperity is expendable. Joy is an inner state of being that cannot be changed by prosperity or the lack of it. 

The soul does not need things to be happy. Comprised of the mind, will, and emotions of a human being, the soul is nourished through relationship. When a relationship with God the Father is cultivated through His Son, Jesus Christ, by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, the need for inner relationship is satisfied. We can commune with God, and He responds to us.  He answers prayer and fulfills the desires of our hearts. From this comes a joy that cannot be replaced by anything the world can offer.

Every individual on the face of the earth has an inner longing to be known and loved by another. We are made with an innate need to love and be loved without any ulterior motive.  Unless we receive this type of love from our heavenly Father, we will not be able to love another in the same way. We will always be trying to fill some void with another individual or something that provides us a sense of security or accomplishment.   

Good prosperity begins with the joy of an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As 3 John 2 explains, we may prosper in every way and be in good health as our soul prospers. Unless our soul prospers to meet the inner longing of a relationship with God, any earthly prosperity we gain is a substitute that is quickly expendable and insufficient to meet our true need. God is the source of all good prosperity, and He can put more joy in our hearts than all the grain and new wine in the world! Run to Him today, and allow Him to fill your heart with that which truly satisfies. Any other prosperity means nothing without Him.

Have a blessed day!

PHOEBE Connections, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing the lives of widows by building relationships and helping them find new identity in Jesus Christ through serving others. We promote an atmosphere of fellowship, where the widow can connect with other widows to develop friendships and supportive relationships.