Thankful Thursday - Joy

This week's Thankful Thursday hostess, Iris, has chosen the subject of joy. (Welcome back, Iris!)

When I think of joy, I think of the song I learned in children's church:

Jesus, and

Others, and

You,

What a wonderful way to spell joy!

If we put others first, will we have joy? Yes! The bible says we'll be full of joy:

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:10-12

It sure isn't what the world teaches. We Americans feel that we have a right to the pursuit of happiness. Happiness is fleeting but joy is enduring. If we live to please ourselves, that happiness can't last long. We just weren't made spiritually to indulge ourselves.

His word promises us that if we will love each other, God will fill us up with joy! I don't understand it. Humanly speaking, it doesn't make sense. But He said it, and I believe it.

I'm thankful for the family and friends that the Lord has put in my life to love. It would certainly be a lonely life without them, and I am a better person every time I put them ahead of me!

To read what other thankful hearts have to say today, click over to Iris' blog, Grace Alone.