We have all admired teacups, fine china luster, artistry, and

their intricate designs. Have you

ever thought about what happens to one's that are

not quite so perfect?

I know a favorite of mine has a crack on inside corner. Most the

crack is hidden from eyes, unless

someone was looking for it. It's rose design, a little

faded from years of service. If it were to be bought or sold for

antique value, it wouldn't bringmuch because of its imperfection. Yet,

the memories of secrets shared over tea with this cup are priceless.

This simple cup, flawed as it may be, has a message

uniquely its own. Beauty is not dependent on what the

eye can see; it's a matter of heart. What is

stored in a treasure in cupboard of heart can never be bought or

sold for any price.

I went to a doctor one time that told me I was not whole. Infact, I was

broken. I had to learn to live with missing parts that could never be

added. When God created me, he left out most important part of my

reproductive system, my ovaries. I remember how I felt

that day. Is there no hope for a normal life I would

ask myself? I would cry. No one will ever understand

my pain. My cracks were secret, hidden deep inside,

except for keloid scar on my neck. A cracked

teacup that best describes what I am.

I began to remember lesson of teacup. God I said, "I never asked

to be a cracked cup. Please tell me why?" I never thought that taking

care of a diseased thyroid would result in such an ugly scar. Even after

three plastic surgeries. I wondered would

any man ever love me, imperfect vessel that I am?

The word means different things to different people.

Is it simply an emotion or feeling? Do we only feel

joy when life seems to be going good, when our

circumstances are favorable? Or is there something

more? I'd like to explore what Word of God says

about this topic.

Psalm 16:11 says "Thou will show me path of life,

in Thy presence is fullness of joy, at Thy right hand

there are pleasures for evermore."

Psalm 43:4 says "Then will I go to altar of God,

unto God my exceeding joy...."

Nehemiah 8:10 says ...."the joy of Lord is my

strength".

What these scriptures say is that God Himself is the

source of our joy. And that joy gives us strength.

Have you ever noticed when you're feeling blue, that

you tend to feel weak and tired too?

Here are some promises God offers us concerning joy:

Psalm 30:5...."weeping may endure for a night, but joy

comes in morning."

Isaiah 35:10 "And ransomed of Lord (His children)

shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting

joy upon their heads, they shall obtain joy and gladness,

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

Isaiah 61:3 says "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,

to give unto them beauty for ashes, oil of joy for

mourning, garment of praise for spirit of

heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness,

the planting of Lord, that He might be glorified."

Joy is also one of fruits of Spirit.

He WANTS to give us joy! Sometimes we think of God as

heavy handed wanting to give us a hard time anytime we

mess up, but that's not His heart at all, He wants to give

us joy. But will we receive Him in order to receive the

joy He offers us?

Isaiah 12:3 says "therefore with joy shall ye draw water

out of wells of salvation."

Psalm 51:12: "Restore unto me, joy of thy salvation,

and uphold me with thy free spirit."

In salvation (the term used when we ask Jesus to be our

God, our savior) there is joy. I found this true as well.

As soon as I prayed and gave my life to Him, I felt real

joy for first time in my life. It was like coming home.

It is beyond description!

Hebrews 12:2 says "Looking unto Jesus, author and