Joy

So it's been a rough go lately, but I think I'm finally on the upswing again now.
I've decided that I need to concentrate on reading verses on Joy right now. I need to make sure that I have joy from Jesus and not let circumstances and my life dictate that. (It's also one of the words Micah has learned to spell...very random...came from a song...but joy is his favourite word to spell right now!)

We have currently come as far as we can with our adopt/foster to adopt process. Our 18 page home study has been submitted, and now we just wait. Wait to hear from the adoption worker/resource worker that we are assigned to, and then more waiting. Waiting is hard. It's been almost 9 months since our precious girl passed away, and 21 months since our Jaimie passed away. We've been anticipating/waiting for a child to raise since then. That is a long time to wait for someone when you have this burning desire deep within for another child. (although I do realize that some people are never able to have a child, and I know we are blessed with Micah to raise). I sometimes wonder why this desire is there. Why can't I simply be content with one child to raise especially with all the other things that I do. But no matter how many times I try to tell myself that, this desire I've had from childhood bubbles up threatening to overwhelm me. But I trust in God's timing, He has carried us through the last two years, and He will carry us through the next 20 + years with or without another child. I trust in Him, I love Him and I know He has a will and a purpose in all of this. So I will strive to be joyful. Joyful in all I do....although I may not always come across that way, I tend to be serious most of the time....playfulness and silliness have never been my strong suit, but I will be joyful.

Here are a few joyful verses that I've found...and as I read over the next few days, I'll be adding to this list.
No matter what our life's circumstances, if we know Jesus, we can have His joy.

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
~Psalm 126:5-6~

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.
~Jeremiah 15:16~

"However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
~Luke 10:20~

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
~John 10:10~ 

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
~Philippians 4:4~

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18~

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
~James 1:2-5~

It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
~3 John 1:3-4~

Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
~Psalm 119:111-112~

For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.
~Jeremiah 31:25 NLT~

Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
~Psalm 119:2 NLT~

How joyful are those who fear the Lord - all who follow his ways!
~Psalm 128:1 NLT~

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.
~Psalm 30:11 NLT~

Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.
~Psalm 86:4~

When I said, "my foot is slipping," your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
~Psalm 94:18-19~

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
~Job 8:21~

This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
~Nehemiah 8:10~

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
~John 15:9-12~