After what seemed like an endless winter, the snow finally melted away. Branches that were once bare are now draped in colorful blooms. Brightly colored tulips and sunny daffodils line the sidewalks in parks and fill flower boxes. As I was walking out of the office earlier this week, a light breeze swept my hair back and the sweet scent of honeysuckle filled the air. Spring, in all of her beauty, was calling my name.

So, I took my Bible notebook, stopped by a coffee shop for an iced latte, and headed straight for the park. The playground area at the park was full of kiddos. They were running, swinging, playing and laughing. I mean, really laughing. Their laughter struck me. Full-bellied, wholehearted, and unabated, this laughter was evidence of the fullness of joy. Then I heard the Lord whisper over my heart: “how long has it been since you have laughed that way, daughter?”

My heart was at once full of hope, having been reminded of the full joy and laughter that I was created for, and also saddened that it had been so long since I felt the type of joy that demands expression through full, explosive laughter (Prov 17:22). After settling down on a park bench near a pond, I began to dialogue with the Lord about the absence of joy and laughter I felt in my life. His words were kind, encouraging. When I left the park that afternoon, my heart was filled with joy, having been reminded of who God is, and who He says I am.

You see, Dear Saints, our God is a God of joy and laughter. How confident can we be that the Creator of everything knows the fullness of delight and celebration? Surely the Author of the Ages and the Sculptor of the Stars is full of the joy, and joy complete (John 17:13). Being made in His image, we can also be confident that our hearts were meant to experience joy, delight, celebration, and jubilee (Isaiah 35:10) (Gal 5:22).

We can help to ensure the presence of joy in our lives by remaining near to the Lord. He is our source of joy. The God of the Ages is also the Fount of Joy. His joy lacks nothing. It is full and complete; thus, His joy is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). As we draw near to the Lord, He fills and strengthens our hearts with heavenly jubilee (Rom 15:13) (Ps 71:23). Not only that, but He, the Mighty Cloud Rider, leads a grand and joyful procession for us (Ps 68:4) (2 Cor 2:14)! The joy and celebration of His heart toward us is astounding. And it never stops; this joy knows no end.

The more our hearts remain in this environment of joy and celebration, the better positioned we are to run the races of life and ministry well. When we are full of His joy, the environment and realities of heaven more easily flow through us (Rom 15:13). Our daily habits, conversations, moments of corporate ministry, and evangelism opportunities are marked by joy, filled with strength (Philemon 1:7). When joy flows freely through our hearts, others cannot help but notice.

So position your heart once again before the King. Ask for renewed joy and the fullness of heaven’s celebration to flood your heart (Phil 4:4) (Ps 16:9). Find strength in His joy and let your lungs fill with deep, child-like fully-bellied laughter (1 Thes 5:16).