The Joy of Elizabeth

I remember being about 5 months pregnant with my son. I had just been feeling him move for a couple weeks. He was one of those babies that concerned the doctor because he was so calm and hardly ever did sommersaults in my belly.  He was just a jacuzzi lovin' relaxed kid.  Except for the day of the talent show at my husband's school.

A microphone had been set up for the performers even though the show was taking place in a small fellowship hall.  I don't even think most of the children used the microphone at all, until young Greyland stood up to speak.  He took the mic in hand and proceeded to almost shout into it, surprising everyone in the audience including my son. At the sound of Greyland's amplified voice, the baby in my belly went C...R...A...Z...Y!  Twisting and turning and flipping and flopping.  I had never felt anything like it!

Now imagine you are Elizabeth, and at the very presence of Mary and the child within her, the baby within you leaps for joy.  There are no alarming sounds, no playful momma poking her belly, no nourishing snack that is giving baby a boost of energy.  The VERY PRESENCE of the Christ brings indescribable joy to you both.

In what do you find your joy?

This week I found joy sitting around a table with women of all ages.  Some of whom are just learning the meaning of joy (me included) and others who have had the blessing of true joy figured out for quite some time. For me joy permeated in the memories and challenges shared, and in the fact that right there in front of us, all of us, was a great cloud of witnesses that could (and did) testify to the faithfulness of our God.

There is joy in this journey that we walk together.  There is joy in the fact that not only does Jesus promise to always be with us, but He gives us more than we could ever hope for or desire in some real life flesh and blood beings to guide and encourage us as we seek to find our joy in God and Him alone.

Did you take on the challenge from last week?  I would love to hear your story.
While you're here, share a time of joy with me.

Let's pray.

Heavenly Father,
Joy is found at the feet of your Son who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising its shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Forgive me for the times when I try to find joy in other places.  Have mercy upon me and grant me the grace to see that true joy comes only from walking this journey with you. In Jesus' Name, Amen. 

May the very presence of Jesus before, behind, above, beside and within you, give you JOY!
Heather

If you would like to join me in this study of God's Word, you can purchase "Golden Fruit" through Concordia Publishing House as well as other retailers.