The Joy Box

Bible Reading: Psalm 16:11; 30:11; 1 Peter 1:8-9

After a long day at Grandpa’s funeral, Emily spent the night with Grandma to keep her company. The next morning, she found Grandma on the couch with a big fancy box.

“That’s a pretty box.” Emily sat down next to her.

Grandma smiled. “This is my joy box. It’s filled with pictures, cards, letters, and many other wonderful memories that bring me joy.” Grandma handed Emily a picture.

“And my baby picture’s in it?”

“Absolutely—and much more! When Grandpa and I got married, we started saving these mementos. Sometimes we’d look through the box and remember special times. Now that Grandpa’s gone to be with Jesus…”

“Your joy box helps you remember, right?”

“It does. Yet it’s more than that. It reminds me of the many blessings Grandpa and I shared and the joy of those blessings.” Grandma paused to wipe a tear from her eye. “But most important, it helps me focus on the giver of all that joy—Jesus!”

“Grandma, I want a joy box too. Can I have a picture of you and Grandpa to put in it?”

“Sure. I have a box that will be perfect, and my craft cupboard has plenty of decorating supplies.”

Grandma pulled a box out of the closet while Emily chose things she wanted for decorations. “Grandma, is joy the same as happiness?”

“That’s an excellent question. Think of it this way. Happiness depends on what’s happening in your life. For example, how would you feel if you got exactly what you wanted for your birthday?”

“I’d be very happy!”

Grandma nodded. “But joy doesn’t depend on circumstances or what’s happening. Joy depends on Jesus.”

“So even if I’m sad, I can still have joy?” Emily asked.

“That’s right. We’re sad Grandpa’s not here with us. But even in the hardest times, we can still have Jesus’s peace and joy in our hearts knowing He’s saved us and has given us eternal life. The Bible tells us in Nehemiah 8:10 that ‘the joy of the Lord is your strength.’”

“Grandma, I’m going to write that verse on my joy box right now so I never forget!”

-Lynda Boucher

How About You?

How do you react when you face hard times in your life? Even though you may feel grief or sadness because of something that happened, you can still feel joyful. Joy comes from Jesus, and if you know Him as your Savior, He offers you His joy, peace, and comfort during difficult times. Find joy in Jesus as you trust Him and remember His promise to always take care of you.

Today’s Key Verse: Habakkuk 3:18 (NLV) Yet I will have joy in the Lord. I will be glad in the God Who saves me.

Today’s Key Thought:

Joy depends on Jesus