Surprised by Joy

Written by Dorothy Brown

How has God surprised you today?: http://talk.thelife.com/2006/06/25/surprised-by-joy/

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart??? (Psalm 37:4).

Often I wished we could live close to the ocean or a lake. This desire only increased after hearing author Philip Keller speak on the spiritual insights he gained while living near the ocean.

However, I never told God about my desire…I thought it was too self – centred.

After selling our farm in the country, Marvin, my husband and I spent many tedious days looking at houses. We could not find one that we both liked. Noticing that we were getting discouraged, our friends suggested that we rent an apartment instead of buying a house. That sounded like a good idea.

We checked out an apartment in the complex where they lived and liked it. The windows overlooked a golf course and the view was beautiful and very relaxing. After we rented it I discovered that our apartment was only a few blocks from the ocean. God had given me the desire of my heart!

We lived there for three years and I loved walking along the ocean shore. I watched the changing moods of the water and delighted in the variety of birds. I sat on driftwood and meditated and prayed. My heart often swelled with thanksgiving and joy. My loving and kind heavenly Father gave me a wonderful surprise.

Yes, God gives us the desires of our heart, if we delight in Him.

~Lord, I have often read the verse about delighting in You and receiving the desires of our heart. I don’t know why I am surprised when You do what You say You will do. But I sure do like it. Thanks for the delightful surprise. Amen.

About the Author
This devotional was written by Katherine Kehler. Read more about Katherine: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/katherine-kehler/

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Related Article
Here is a lovely article about joy, written by Dr. Bill Bright:

http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/bbjoy.html

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3 Responses to “Surprised by Joy”

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Anna says:

June 26, 2006 at 5:32 pm

I was “surprised by joy” this past weekend when my daughter, her husband, and their 15 month old daughter, our mlracle grandchild from their 10 year marriage, were able to go camping with my husband and myself. It has always been a family passion. She brought back so many memories of our daughter at her age and it was a blessing to see her bow her head and fold her hands for prayer at meal time. It was such a busy time it was relaxing for me. He knew what I needed and when I needed it. What a wonderful Lord we have.
Kim says:

June 25, 2006 at 9:27 pm

I was “surprised by joy” recently. I took my two girls to tryout for the local production of “Oliver”. When I got there I was informed that I had to be in it too if I wanted my youngest daughter to be in it. Imagine my surprise… God works in mysterious ways and this is one of them. I found out that I love musical theater! I didn’t ask for it! I didn’t expect it yet HE knew that I needed it! What a blessing to be surprised by joy!
laura says:

June 25, 2006 at 4:22 am

When I was suprised how God work through my life, I was suprised that I did not worry anything but thrugh asking God if everything was taken care of . after I came home from trip. I was suprised my mail was wet because it rained here in clinton but not in Waverly so I belived weather was moved quickly I know it did rain before .. Did my mother even noticed our car was bit wet before ? No .. It was like something I ever felt a god presence in my life. I sure had a good reason .