out of the depths

Joy.  It's that welling up feeling.

Underneath, somewhere unseen flows a bottomless reservoir.  Cool depths unfathomable filled with the assurance of salvation, hope of resurrection, a faithful God, unmerited favor, imputed righteousness, love unconditional, light unapproachable, knowledge of the Holy, forgiveness undeserved available to the repentant.

Every now and then, something moves me, things start to swell, erupting forth and I call that JOY. 

It's when the goodness just can't be contained.  It's that smile I can't keep from rising to the surface... or a heart gush... or a sudden outburst of song.  It's the knowing that the Father sees.  It's fellowship, even in suffering.
 
It's a swirl in the sunshine.  It's light shining through green.  It's that pinpoint of light at the end of a long dark tunnel... far away but no less visible.  It's the memory of brighter days.  It's the sweetness of His presence... despite the circumstances.


Sometimes joy courses on a wet trail down my cheek.  Sometimes it curls upward in the grin that won't wipe off.  Sometimes it makes my heart leap.

Joy. It's the overflow.

It can't be captured. Just let it gush.