Joy In His Presence

Dear Friend,   

Do you know what the difference is between “happiness” and “joy”? Happiness is generated by an external, worldly experience and is a feeling or emotion that comes and goes. Joy, on the other hand, is a state of being that satisfies our soul. Joy is internal. Joy is a choice.

If you stop and think about it, the main difference between happiness and joy is the source. While happiness comes from worldly things, joy comes from knowing Jesus. While happiness easily fades away, joy is an internal contentment that stays with us. We experience joy when we’re in the presence of a Holy God. No matter what circumstances surround you, His presence can be an incredible source of not just joy, but abundant joy!  King David knew this so well.  Our theme verse this month comes from Psalm 16:11:  

“You reveal the path of life to me: in Your presence is abundant joy; at Your right hand are eternal pleasures.”

Do you know this joy?  The joy of being in the presence of a Holy God? The theme of this month’s  Box of Blessings is Joy in His Presence…and that makes this month’s Box a favorite for me!  Wait till you see what’s in it…

I absolutely love it when I can include a Bible in our monthly Box, and this month we have the highly readable, exceptionally reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible in a portable trim size with easy- to-read 7.5-point type.  I love that the words of Christ are in red.  It also has footnotes, full color maps, and a “Where to Turn” section with answers to commonly asked questions.  With its saddle brown leathertouch cover and magnetic flap, this would be an amazing gift for either a special man or woman in your life.

Do you want to spend time in God’s Word, but aren’t sure where to start?  My Bible Study Journal: Joy can help!  This elegant journal features six joy-themed 30-day Bible reading plans that will encourage you to delve deeper into this life-giving and hope-sustaining Fruit of the Spirit.

The Choose Joy Creative Devotional features 52 powerful devotional readings complemented by creative coloring pages.  Still your heart and mind as you reflect on these refreshing readings – and be drawn ever closer to the Joy-Giver Himself.  

Are you just feeling squeezed on time for scriptural instruction?  Whether you’re driving to work, working out, or getting dinner out on the table, the Devotions from the Beth Moore Library is the perfect resource to encourage and inspire you.  This 2-disc pack of 12 Scripture-soaked lessons will encourage and inspire you.

The assorted Christian greeting cards are a perfect way to reach out to others and to share your faith.  In this pack you will find 12 high quality cards.  With 4 birthday, one sympathy, one congratulations, three thinking/praying for you, one wedding, one anniversary and one friendship card you will be ready for the next opportunity God puts before you.

I can never pass up a bag.  The Choose Joy bag is a great way to point people to Jesus and this comes complete with a gift tag attached.  Fill it with treasures to inspire people to find joy in His presence…abundant joy that is found only in Him.

I asked earlier, but I’m going to ask again: Do you know this joy? The joy of being in the presence of a Holy God? If you don’t, or if maybe someone has stolen your joy, this month’s Box is just for you! Keep the Bible close by…get creative in the Choose Joy Devotional…start answering the questions in your Joy themed journal…listen to one of the ten-minute devotions…send a couple of joy-filled Christian greeting cards!

If you do know this joy, make sure to share it! Throw the Choose Joy Devotional in the Choose Joy bag and give it as a gift! And if you’re willing to part with it, throw the Bible in as well! You won’t regret sharing it!

May you experience abundant joy in His presence,

Bette

P.S. My prayer is that this month’s Box of Blessings will be a joyful blessing to many. With a retail value of $103.85, you’ve already experienced one blessing!  You can experience another blessing simply by sharing one or more of the items in this month’s Box. Go ahead and share something… and be sure to let me know what happens!