Day Twenty Three - Joy

 

Joyful by Paresh Nrshinga, graduate of DMU in 1986 
Degree Art website

As with snow, there are many types of joy.  The richest joy is one that comes from deep within and can not be shaken.  It is the joy of knowing that I am deeply loved, and that I am free to love.  This is the joy that remains, even in depression.  Surely this is a miracle, because depression crushes joy.  Somehow this joy stands a part and is not harmed.

Psalm 51 verses 8 to 17

Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9

Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

10

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11

Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.

14

Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

16

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

PRAYER:  Thank you for the joy that is rooted in my heart and can never be quenched.