Joy???

I am writing this to any and all who struggle with the thought of, Joy. Why, are we Joyful? Where does our Joy come from? Most of 1John and many others places explains. Let me share why I am, and what I see from what the Word tells us. Joy???
1john 1:4 We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.
We are writing this so that we can be completely filled with joy.
At a young age I was on the edge of many dark things. I did many things I was not proud of. By 15 I had seen and been apart of things, few my age ever are. I asked Jesus into my life, and was Baptized in the Holy Ghost. It took a few years of back and forth, yet, His Grace proved True. I do not want to go into my sins, but let me say I have been forgiven for much. I and many who were with me at different times, are alive ONLY because of His Grace. I do not deserve to be forgiven. However, I am. Not only forgiven, but Heaven Bound. These things are, many of the ingredients that make up my Joy. There is a song called, “He’s Alive”
He’s alive, He’s alive, He’s alive, and I’m forgiven Heaven’s Gates are open wide. These words alone stir Joy inside me. When I think about All that Jesus, did and does for me, Joy. When Holy Spirit uses me, to share words, and others are helped, Joy. When I have laid hands on the sick, and in Jesus Name they are healed, Joy. When I Praise and Worship my Lord, pure Joy. James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.  Joy, Joy , Joy, to know I can count on God to bring forth good from any and all things that I face. 1Thess 2:19-20 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you!20Yes, you are our pride and joy. We are part of that. And, this is part of what I shared earlier. As we invest time in others for the Lord, Joy is produced.
2Cor 8:2-4 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. Where did that Joy come from? Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, they were sinners and they had been forgiven and set free. They gave not because it was the “right thing” to do. No they gave because others needed. They did not give to get back, no their Joy gave them confidence in God, not their money. Gal 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! As we spend time in obedience in the Holy Spirit Joy is one of the fruits. Why? Because as verse 23 tells us, “..There is no law against it..” Because with Joy we are able to face life, we are able to express faith in Christ! Let it be that we seek Joy, that we see why we are Joyful. Heb 12:2-4 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
Again, as we receive Jesus in our hearts, that is part of the Joy that awaited Him. To know that we have Joy because we are forgiven. And, as we accept Jesus, Joy is added to Him. Joy: a deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment. Bliss, comfort, gratification, satisfaction, treasure, wonder. Let Joy fill your heart because you are saved, because you are Loved by, God and His Family. You may not have felt or understood Joy before. Now with this knowledge be Joyful. Allow the Spirit to show you Joy as never before. Amen and Amen! In Jesus Joyful Name I Pray.