3 Keys to Safeguarding Joy

 “What has robbed you of the most joy?” an elderly man was once asked.

"The things that have never happened," he replied.

Why are children often happier than adults?

My dear friend Rebecca's #3 and #4

Why do babies smile so easily?

Her #6

When does joy get robbed and adults laugh less and only children make us smile?

When we concern ourselves with the things that may never happen.

When we worry more and trust less.

When people loom big.

And God becomes small.

When we’ve seen too much pain and childhood happiness turns into joyless scars.

Maybe these three keys to safeguarding joy were written by a child.

·         Fret Not.  He loves you.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

·         Faint Not. He holds you.

“You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.”

(Psalm 139:5)

·         Fear Not. He keeps you.

“The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.” (Psalm 121:5)

Children know they are small, so they trust.

Our joy begins to fade when we forget that.

Joy is always within easy grasp.

And just as easily snatched away.

Never fret, never give up, and never give in to fear.

We are loved, held, and kept by a God bigger than we are.