Article April 1, 2024 Issue

Holy joy

God-derived joy involves the deep conviction that good is supreme and at hand.

Deb Hensley

Originally published for the Christian Science Sentinel online on January 18, 2024

“Joy is a protest.” I wrote those words on a sticky note a few weeks ago and posted it in the center of my bathroom mirror. I put it there to remind me that even when things look bleak, spiritual joy is an active, unstoppable healing power.

Then some tragic things happened: a mass shooting in my state and more reports of inhumane deprivation in war zones. Who can be cheerful in the midst of the human suffering caused by a heinous crime and wars? I wanted to rip the note off the mirror and stuff it in the trash.

But after a while, I realized that this was the exact right time for staying the course and practicing true, holy joy—joy derived from Soul, God.

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