It had stopped raining.  I opted to take a break from my work and step outside to get a breath of fresh air.

It was then that I spotted them – several birds playing in a puddle (okay, so they were probably “bathing”, but stay with me).

We’ve all witnessed it at one point or another – their little wings flap wildly as water splashes all over the bird; they bounce up and down in the process, turning this way and that; they look completely ecstatic.  They don’t have a care to consider or a worry to be had. 

It is the epitome of pure joy.

I stood there soaking in this wonderful sight and mused – How often has my life displayed joy to the level of those birds in that puddle?  Do I position myself in such a way to have joy “splashed” all over me daily?

Don’t be fooled, friends, joy is not something we can drum up or will into existence.  We can’t make ourselves joyful any more than those birds could fill that puddle with water.  Joy comes from God.

One of the many Psalms that David penned says it this way “…in Your presence is abundant joy.” (Psalm 16:11)

Years later, Paul prayed in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe…”

It’s so important to remember that joy has a Source and His name is Jesus.  The only way for us to continually model a life of joy is by posturing ourselves in God’s presence.

How do you do that?

Surround yourself with edifying things – whether it’s praise and worship music, faith-stirring podcasts, uplifting movies, or life-giving sermon content (that you can stream online right now).  Saturate your environment with things that build up your faith and consistently draw you closer to God.

Imagine being a bird in a puddle.  The water is all the Godly content you’re surrounding yourself with.  The result is the sheer joy of continually being washed, lifted up, inspired, and encouraged!  Who doesn’t need that right now?

Now…if you’ll excuse me, I’m going in search of a puddle.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!