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I took this picture on May 6, 2013. Finally, there were signs of life in Colorado. The Rockies were still covered with snow, yet the days were getting warmer. Tree branches were finally displaying the movement of sap as leaves began to appear.

“You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight.” Psalm 16:11 New English Translation

Contrary to what we see on television or read in the newspaper, there are signs of life. The news isn’t always good, in fact it is often bad, yet God’s Word tells us the reality that covers our lives. God leads us “in the path of life.” And on this path of life there is an abundance of joy.

You might feel that there is nothing joyful about life. Don’t confuse joy with happiness.

Happiness comes and goes. At times we feel sorrow instead of being happy. Happiness depends on the circumstances of life…and that’s okay. It’s okay to be happy and it’s okay to be sad.

Joy is God’s gift to us when we are both happy and sad. As I have contemplated this gift of joy it appears to me that joy is not so much an emotion but a gift. And this gift of joy is rooted in God’s gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.

In other words, we don’t have to “feel” joy to experience joy. Joy comes with God’s gift of life, a life that will never be taken from us.

So, today look for signs of life and thank God for the “absolute joy” that comes from his gift of life.