Joy.

Joy is not happiness although happiness is a part.

Joy goes deeper. Joy is not dependent on our circumstances, but comes from the Lord.

Yesterday, as can happen on the isolated journey, I was lonely. While I did not have plans for the holiday, I did not have a ton of strength to do a lot for the holiday outside of survival tasks. I got started on my tasks, enjoying the time with God as I went to run the errands, and asked God for help in the loneliness department. He brought joy in the midst of the lonely.

Then, God answered my prayer. Mid-day, I heard my nephew come in. He stayed and hung out with me, helped with a couple projects and shared our love for music. It was an answer to prayer.

Later that day, an old friend reached out via messenger and we chatted for quite some time. It was such a blessing and also an answer to prayer.

God is good to answer prayer. He is also good to give joy even when the prayer had not yet been answered. Yesterday brought joy in the midst and through answered prayer. God is so good!

How has God brought you joy this week?