True and lasting joy is never based upon our circumstances. Joy is a practice, often hinged upon perspective, a result of what we cultivate within our lives until in takes root, grows, and produces magnificent fruit. Joy is “Rooted Faith”. Why? Because sometimes, often times, it takes faith to practice Joy. It takes faith to cultivate and water the ground in our lives to prepare to practice Joy. We don’t always FEEL joyful. This isn’t a “Fake it ’till you make it” kind of thing. Joy is the “substance of things hoped for” kind of faith.

We practice joy when we allow a space for joy to take root in healthy soil. Hard soil or stony ground presents difficult situations for growth. Our soil can become hard when we’ve been hurt or learned to build walls of protection around ourselves. Hard-heartedness closes our ears and heart to receiving the seed. We must break up the hard soil of our heart and allow ourselves to be softened as we return to the Father and embrace forgiveness, both FROM others and FOR others. There is hope! I’ve seen the most beautiful flowers growing in the most unexpected places. The stark contrast of the soft against the harsh reminds me of the softness of my Father’s heart for me. “A soft word turns away wrath. ” Proverbs 15:1

Today, if you would hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…Hebrews 3:14

Joy is a choice. We practice joy when we prepare to reap a harvest of joy. Joy is an important part of the “Fruit of the Spirit”. Each piece is interconnected. It is FRUIT, not FruitS. In order to reap a bountiful harvest the seed must be planted in good soil. Fertile soil. What are you doing to ENRICH YOUR SOIL? Good soil needs air, light and water. Jesus is the Breath of life, the light of the world and the Living water. If your soil is hard, break it up. If there are thorns yank them out. Be ruthless. Destroy them before they destroy you.

…break up your fallow ground…for it is time to seek the Lord…Hosea 10:12

Healthy soil also requires the right temperatures to germinate the seeds planted within it. As a gardener we choose just he right season to plant. We carefully consider the time and the location so both ample sun and ample shade are provided We make space for joy in our lives when we consider where and when we are, when we “sit in the moment”, understanding there is “a time for everything” in every moment, in laughter and in sorrow; for even in rejoicing and in mourning there can be found joy. Have you ever been to a funeral and found yourself laughing with others? I have. But wait!! This is supposed to be a solemn occasion! Yet there is joy in the remembrance even in the midst of the grief. For “He makes all things beautiful in its time…” Ecclesiastes 3)

There are those who may grieve a different kind of loss-a loss of expectation, or hope deferred. Perhaps you feel crushed, broken. Rachel Marie Martin said, “Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought life would look like and learn to find joy in the story you are actually living.” OR perhaps we can speak to our soul as King David did. “Why so downcast, O My Soul? Put your trust in God.” Embrace Joy and give it room to grow.

Growth also requires TIME. One seldom reaps a harvest after only moments of planting. The ground is cultivated and care for. It must be developed. The seed is dropped at just he right time and in the right season. The plant itself is tended with the utmost care, watered and nourished. We may not FEEL joy developing in our lives, but when we plant ourselves in the Spirit of the Lord, the fruit WILL come. It be be a tiny bud but it is there-this promise of fruit.

Effective planting requires ROOM and SPACE. If we are to practice joy we must allow room for joy in our lives. This is INTENTIONAL ACTION. We may need to remove and uproot things in our lives which threaten to kill joy. Or we may need to shift some things around, do some repotting or replanting. Reach out beyond ourselves as we have open spaces and further ground in which to flourish.

Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back, lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left…Isaiah 54:2-3

Prepare the soil, break up the hard places of your heart and soul, consider where and when you are, allow yourself time and space. Practice Joy in every moment-even in moments of despair. In time your will not only reap a harvest but will become one.

FURTHER READING:

• Psalm 16:11
• Psalm 42