Oh, the Joys I've Had (YBM Focus #30)

In today's letter, which is titles "Oh, the Joys I've Had", my father not only shares some of the blessings he has experienced in his life, he also share how you can be delivered from temporary happiness and have permanent joy in your life. In this letter, he writes:

“Happiness depends on the happenings, but having joy does not depend on the circumstances. Joy comes from God and you better get some.”

In my previous letter, I shared some of my mistakes, failures and troubles in hopes that you will not make them. Now, I want to share with you how God delivered me from fleeting happiness to permanent joy.Then, I want to share with you the three greatest joys of my life.

Up until December 19, 1979, at the age of nineteen, my happiness was dependent on what was happening. You know what I am talking about. You have been there. When I was a little boy, if the sun was shining and the sky was blue, I was happy; but if the clouds covered the sun and the day was overcast, I was sad. When I was playing football, I was happy; when I was made to go to choir rehearsal, I was sad. When I could stay at home and watch the Dallas Cowboys play, I was happy; when I had to go to church, I was sad. As I grew a little older, when I was drinking and partying, I was happy; the next day, I was sad. That was how I lived my life up until December 19, 1979, because on that memorable day I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour.

+ Plus, listen to Newsboys singing "Joy"