Overwhelming Joy

I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!Isaiah  61:10 (NLT) 

Loki

My cousin and her husband just got a new dog, a male shih tzu named Loki rescued from the streets.  Dan says, “It’s sure nice to be welcomed home by a puppy dog who is excited to see me.” 

Babies, too, when they see their parents smiling at them get so happy they can hardly contain it.  And, when we see a loved one after a long absence we are filled with joy.  When the separation is over and our closeness is restored it brings joy and satisfaction to our souls.

Can you imagine the joy the followers of Jesus felt when they saw him alive. Three days earlier they had witnessed his torturous death and never thought they would see him again.  Suddenly, their deep despair and confusion was turned into overwhelming joy. 

Jesus great desire for us is that we would experience fullness of joy in his presence. He was sent for that very purpose (Isaiah 61). May we in our encounter of the risen Lord be filled with his joy today trading our garments of sorrow and despair for garments of praise and joy. 

I have told you these things,

that My joy and delight may be in you,

and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure,

complete and overflowing.

John 15:11 (AMP)

You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.

John 16:20 (NLT)