True saints know..

True saints know..
 that the place where all the joy comes from is far deeper than that of feelings;

 joy comes from the place of the very Presence of God.

Joy is God and God is joy
and joy doesn't negate all other emotions--joy transends all other emotions.

Though my marriage tree may not bud

and though my crop of children may fail

 and my work produce little yield

 though there be no money in the bank

and no dream left in the heart

though others may choose different ways to live their one life

till my last heaving breath, I will fight to the death for this:

"I will take joy"  (Habakkuk 3:18)

I will struggle to heed this until I am no more:

"Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way,

consider it an opportunity for great joy"  (James 1:2)

and I will listen and again I will listen and I will wrestle to put skin on it:

"Rejoice in the Lord always.

I will say it again: Rejoice!  (Philippians 4:4)

Ann Voskamp

One Thousand Gifts