Hi everyone! It's Tania, and welcome to the Moms for Christ podcast. The Word I have today comes from Psalms, chapter 100, verses 1 to 2 in the King James Version. It says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.”

"Happiness is momentary; joy is an excitement for the things of God..."

So many times I hear people speak of joy as if joy and happiness are interchangeable. Happiness is momentary; joy is an excitement for the things of God - what He will do, what He is doing, and what He has already done. It does not come and go because God is the one who gives it.

I remember the first time my daughter heard the Lord speak to her. She was about five - after spending a little time with the Lord, she came running out of her room screaming, ‘Mommy, mommy, I heard God speak to me!’ She was so excited to hear His voice. She was dancing and singing. It's a joy that continues to sustain her. She knows that if she seeks the Lord, she will find Him. It may not always be the same way, but she knows that the Lord is good, and He is faithful. Her joy comes from knowing that even at a young age, God will meet for her, and He desires to be near her.

Right now, while everyone is speaking of joy, I'm reminded of my Savior, humbling Himself, coming as a baby, born in a lowly manger. He gave Himself on the cross - naked and tortured - so that He could dwell within man through the Holy Spirit.

"‘Does my life reflect the joy of the Lord every day?’"

Every day the Holy Spirit leads us a little closer to perfection. In obedience, everyday we get to come closer and closer to the Lord. Joy should be reflected in our lives every day. And I have to ask myself, ‘Does my life reflect the joy of the Lord every day?’ And if it doesn't, ‘Why not?’

"Lord, please let our lives reflect a never ending season of joy..."

Lord, let Your light shine in me and in Your children. Let us have an understanding of who You are. Fill us with the joy of knowing You daily. Lord, please fill our hearts with a deep understanding of the marvelous gift You have given us through Your Son Jesus. Lord, please let our lives reflect a never ending season of joy - worshipping and praising You, knowing that You have called us to be near You. And Lord, let there be a joyful noise coming from us every day proclaiming, ‘Our Light has come.’ God bless and have a wonderful week, I will speak to you again soon.