What Joy Is and What It Isn't

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“Joy is not an emotion. Joy is a settled certainty that God is in control.” *


I'm not a Calvinist. At least I don't think I am.** But I love this statement about joy. I remember when the truth that God is in control finally settled deeply enough into my soul that joy came to live there as well. For good.

It was an unconscious thing, the deep receiving of this Truth, and the amazing, surprising side benefit of receiving the Joy. It probably happened over time, as I read and meditated upon and therefore subconsciously absorbed Scriptures that reinforced this truth.

I became indoctrinated with the Truth.

We need to allow the Holy Spirit to indoctrinate us with Truth.

We can only do that by spending time in His Word.

* From The Joy of Calvinism, by Greg Forster as reviewed by Joan Nienhuis.

** Now I'll get a sermon about this from my retired, Presbyterian minister-cousin, Rol, I'm sure!

Comments

Unknown said…
Hi Ginny! I don't know anything so much about Calvinism, but I have to agree with you. Scripture says that the joy of the Lord is our strength, so it has to be much more than an emotion.
February 15, 2012 at 7:32 PM
Janet Sketchley said…
There's truth in that quote. And in the reminder to let Truth settle deeply into our souls. Thanks for this!
February 16, 2012 at 2:59 PM
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