Joy

James 1:2 "Consider it all joy when you face trials of many kinds"

What is joy?
As I look in the dictionary these are the definitions that I find:

1. great happiness: feelings of great happiness or pleasure, especially of an elevated or spiritual kind
2. something that brings happiness: a pleasurable aspect of something or source of happiness

I often feel that it has been a long time since I have truly felt joy or great happiness. Smiling is easy but true joy is hard. As I think of true joy and my entry yesterday, I am wondering if I can truly be a great mom and wife without true joy? I can say that I don't often find true joy in my situation, I find it easier to be frustrated. I know that in my attitudes, I am sinning. However, true joy does not come from being a great mom or wife but truly understanding the gospel. I am much worse than I think I am yet God has saved me! I can find joy in that!

As I contemplate the second verse of the hymn "Teach Me Thy Way" I need to look closer at my Saviour and learn of his ways.

When I am sad at heart, teach me Thy way!
When earthly joys depart, teach me Thy way!
In hours of loneliness, in times of dire distress,
In failure or success, teach me Thy way!

Today is almost over, Dave is working and it is just me and the boys.
Lord make this a joyful evening! and may joy truly fill my heart as I face the days ahead!