“We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion; we’re marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God.” - Isaac Watts

The body of Christ is made up of a diverse group of redeemed people.  Individually we come from different backgrounds and vocations. We have uniques gifts, interests and passions.  We also have different strengths and weaknesses.  Our lives have taken us down different paths in life and ministry.  From the “onlooker” some of our paths have been one of ease (looks can be deceiving).  For others it has been one of many heartaches, disappointments and set-backs.  But, no matter which path we find ourselves currently on, life in general has a way of “robing” us of our Joy.  Even the everyday routines and responsibilities of life can “squeeze” the joy from our souls.  But does this have to be the case?  Can we live our lives without losing our joy?  As a Christ follower Jesus has promised He would never leave us nor forsake us.  He has promised His Holy Spirit to dwell in us.  He has promised us eternal life!  He said that we are joint heirs with Christ, and that at His “right hand are pleasures forevermore!”   By staying in Jesus’ PRESENCE we can “count it all JOY!” when the path of life takes us down the road of trials of various kinds (cf. James 1:2). 

Yes, we can live a life overflowing with JOY because of the PRESENCE of Christ in our lives!  The bible promises, “you will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” 

Jesus said, “these things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” - John 15:11

“…weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning!” 

Pastor Rodney