“You will fill me with joy in your presence” Psalm 16:11
Joy is one of those commodities that the world can't really understand as it doesn't depend on our outward circumstances.
We read in scripture how Paul, when he was in prison, wrote about rejoicing. I used to imagine he was doing it through gritted teeth, trying to maintain a positive attitude in the face of a horrendous situation. I have now come to belief that his joy was effortless.
Remember joy is a fruit of the Spirit - we can't make fruit grow no matter how hard we try. Fruit grows as a natural consequence of a healthy tree. Jesus tells us that He is the vine and we are the branches; as we remain in Him, His love floods our hearts causing all the attributes of His Spirit to flow into our lives.
That's why I love to be in His presence. I love to worship Him; I love to allow Him to become my focus. As the Creator of love, joy and peace is made bigger in my life I experience more of Him in everything. I am joyful on the inside and that shapes my outside world! It's so simple and yet life changing