trbccoffeebreak

“Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy are in His place.” I Chronicles 16:27 (HCSB)

Got a fav thing you love to do in the summer? Mine is soaking up some rays of sunshine, sipping a refreshing Diet Coke and grabbing a great read. All in that order. It’s my chill time on Saturday that refuels me for the week ahead. And yes, I still flip through the pages of a real book – there’s just something about it that I will always love – the tangible story unfolding right before my eyes.

So what makes a great read? Interesting characters, mysterious or challenging circumstances and the perfect ending. But sometimes real life plays out and the happily ever after doesn’t quite happen. We keep hoping and waiting. We read faster and faster anticipating the story line will change any moment so we can have our perfect ending. And at the most pivotal point, we realize the writer has something totally different in mind. Real life can definitely unfold contrary to what we expected, planned or envisioned. Sometimes life surprises us with the sweetest blessings we never imagined possible. Sometimes life invites us to read between the hardships and trials to uncover the lessons buried deep. And yes sometimes our conceived Happily Ever After meets head on with a chapter we never wanted to write or read.

Regardless of the story unfolding in our lives, we can count on God’s Joy Ever After. Happy is never a permanent position, but Joy is a forever place. Because living within the soul of each of His children is a Spirit of Joy just waiting to sprout. Unlike the temporal emotion of happy, joy is a fruit that flourishes despite our circumstances. Why? Simple truth – joy is unshakeable confidence that God is in control, God is still good and God is always present. Isn’t that really all that we need? To trust completely in the One who gave us life to orchestrate every moment of our days – now that’s Joy Ever After. “Sweet Jesus, come and fill us with Your unspeakable joy!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin

TRBC Coffee Break