Delight only comes with abiding and our desires change as we abide.

I want what I want when I want it.  I want Joy.  That deep inner delight that comes with the assurance of all things working out and working out my way.  I do not want trucks that break down.  I do not want my back to hurt all the time.  I do not want to take pills to survive.  I want that inner relish for life that fills the soul.  John 17:13 says flatly that Jesus came into this world to give me full measure of His joy within me.

If it is mine, if it is promised, if it is my possession, if it is full measure, if it is to be a deep welling joy, where is it?  Driving the streets with my little granddaughter, she is oft to say, “take it down” in response to seeing Christmas decorations still hanging from the eves of homes.  “Christmas is over.”  It is as if the time for joy and peace on earth is now complete and we can get about our dreary lives.

How can I life I Thess 5:16 when it says, “Rejoice evermore,” when all the Christmas lights are gone?  I would suppose it is the difference between happiness and joy.  Happiness is a fleeting thing, if you pursue it blinks at you and it is gone.  I guess I have said this before happiness is not joy.  Happiness is on the outside blinking red and green.  Joy is internal warmth of dwelling in the God of Christmas and the rest of the year.