Over and over this week, I’ve been reminded about joy. The importance of having joy in our lives. The joy that we experience when we are in God’s presence. And of course, my granddaughter Joy!

Several years ago while shopping the cute little shops in Estes Park, we came across a store that had a wide variety of wind chimes. They were all shapes and sizes. They were all priced according to size or material. Each was as beautiful as the other.

What I realized is that I wanted one for my home. That’s when the fun began. I rang each chime listening for the perfect tones. I scoured the store until I found the perfect chime.

The wind chime I chose was named “Joy.” From the picture (which is the shadow of my wind chime) you can see a young maiden running with arms raised. She is free to move about as the wind blows and moves. She hasn’t a care in the world, but if she did, it wouldn’t cause her any distress. She is filled with joy.

Friend, when we allow God’s Spirit to work in our lives, that is how it can be for us as well. As Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) tells us, joy is a fruit that is produced through the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Do you recall Jesus’ words in John 15:11 (NIV)? Jesus is teaching His beloved disciples about the importance of abiding in Him, about bearing fruit, and about joy. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” What is to be the basis of our joy? Being with Jesus. Remaining or abiding with Jesus continually and producing fruit. Abundant fruit.

I’m sure you’ve visited with a person or two who have an over-flowing abundance of joy. Don’t you just wonder what they’re doing to live such joy-filled lives? Don’t wonder any longer. This passage tells us the secret. Be with Jesus and produce fruit. Allow the Holy Spirit to develop and ripen the fruit with us. That’s where joy comes from!

The Apostle Paul got it. He understood joy. We also know all that he endured for the service of Christ. But over and over in his letters, he talks about joy. His joy. The joy he saw in others. What a blessing he must have been to others to see how regardless of circumstances, joy could abide.

Take a look at Colossians 1:9-11 (NIV) and see if you recognize some of Jesus’ teaching in Paul’s words. “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and my please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”

Finding real joy in this world may be difficult. But finding joy in God’s love, provision, grace and Words (just to name a few) will never be elusive. It’s like the wind, blowing around you.

The question is, “how will you respond?”

Will you cower in a corner? Will you hold on to a post to keep from being blown away? Or will you lift your hands in thanksgiving and dance in the wind?

I pray that you will choose to live a life of joy and that your joy will be complete in Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna