Today I discover the joy of God inside me. Yes, even with the anxieties of election results. Even amid divisiveness among our citizens and particularly among Christians. And where is there joy? I’m glad you asked. Because joy (by which I mean love, peace, life, and, even happiness) I’m discovering is God’s gift of himself in me. It’s not from external circumstances. I do not need to react with anxiety, anger, or even fear. Joy abides, lives, and dwells in me. It’s the indwelling of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

It’s like the old song: “I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart”.

My life is not lived in reaction but in gratitude to God. Paul writes it in Philippians 4:

                             “Rejoice in the Lord, always.”

I want my life to be lived in light of Christ’s life and in cooperation with his life influencing and leading me. Too often, circumstances and people dictate my inner response. Instead, I am making an effort to access the God-life within me. I’m going to the source, to the fountainhead, the motherlode. 

If Christ dwells in me as the hope of glory – of whom or what do I need to be afraid?  I am living with and for him in everything I do. I am finding meaning from within, past all the negative voices or even my selfish thoughts. 

Let’s look at Paul’s writing again in Philippians 4.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV )

In the words of people like Richard Rohr, Rob Bell and others:

HAPPINESS IS AN INSIDE JOB.

Amen