Reading & Meditation (Joy) by Rev. Christine 6/18/2023
Today I’m sharing from the Divine Science Federation International Daily Study volume 2, titled Living with Joy by Rev. Grace Faus.
“Your joy no man takes from you.” John 16:22. When we find within ourselves the Spirit of the Living God, life becomes more thrilling than it ever was. Living with God is a great adventure, living, we might almost say, as God. For when we realize that “I and my Father are one,” we realize that our life is God living through us, and this becomes tremendous and exciting.
As we learn more about the beauty and wonder of life, we are constantly learning more about God, because God is Life. A poet has said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” We have wondrous beauty to behold – if we will only look. When we see great beauty in nature or in art, or listen to heavenly music, we are experiencing God. Our life becomes a “glorious orchestra of divine harmonies.”
Joy, too, is an essential part of life. If we are not enjoying life, it is not a real adventure for us. “Joy is an inside job,” said Don Blanding. Jean Ingelow’s lovely statement is, “Joy is the grace we say to God.” And, in the silence of our own soul we feel the joy of all life, for it is one with infinite good, with God. Often when joy fills our hearts, God moves us to greatness and true nobility.
Meditation - Joy
We shall now move into a meditation on Joy. Let us turn inward to our holy temple. Bring our attention to our breath breathing in deeply and exhale slowly as we bring our attention to our heart. We quiet and still our thoughts as we listen and take these words in.
“The Joy of the Lord is your strength.” From Nehemiah 8:10.
We now bring our attention to God our Creator that is everywhere present, Omnipresence, Infinite Spirit. I am forever one with this Divine Infinite Spirit that is living in through and as my very being. I now go deeper within and touch this Divine Presence of pure joy. A joy that sings through my heart, and lifts every cell of my being. I am lifted as though I have wings, ever lighter and lighter. My soul soars to new heights bubbling up and overflowing rejoicing I am joy. I am a spirit of joy. (Repeat)
God’s great outburst of joy is ever unfolding our universe. Every star and planet, and everything in-between is joy expressing. This gift of joy is expressing in all of creation. A baby’s smile; a family eating, talking and laughing together; a flower raising its head to the sun; a bird singing to the rising sun; whales and dolphins bursting out of the ocean. Joy is the inner strength and power within me. (Silence)
Let us take a moment to let the joy of gratitude fill our hearts. Thank you, Divine Presence, for this all-embracing joy. This joy shall fill every moment of this day. So it is, Amen.