The day was December 6th 2011. I was driving home from work...and unknowingly to the surprise birthday dinner that my husband so thoughtfully planned for me. And as is common during my hour-long commute home, I was listening to the radio and I was struck by a really beautiful worship song. One of the lines was "You are joy, You are joy, You're the reason that I sing...." and I was struck by the fact that our Lord IS Joy, and that my name is a call to be like Him...to reflect His true JOY.
And then it was December 6th 1986. I'd heard the story many times...My parents were just so filled with happiness when I was born that it became my name..."Joy." I've recalled this story at various times in my life, but for some reason, this time, it struck me differently this time. I started thinking about how "joy" is an important way that I'm called to reflect the Lord's goodness and love, and it's also become a way for Satan to attack me, to seek to steal my "joy." And then I remembered that is how he works. Satan's tried to steal my name before, and been successful, quite a few times. He's tried to take "Daughter of God," "Beloved," and "Good." Thankfully, God's grace and healing have given me the strength to fight back and reclaim those names. But now Satan was back for another one..."Joy."
In these past few months, I've struggled with fear, worry, and frustration - the complete opposites of joy! And somehow I seemed to miss the connection, that, of course, Satan attacks us at our core...he attacks our identity...and tries to take our names. He sure got me. In fact, I don't even remember putting up a fight
What does your name mean? What name is Satan trying to take from you? What part of your identity are you gonna start fighting for?
Well, thank God for K-Love and birthdays, because they really got me thinking...and realizing just what was at stake. And I'm taking my name back. I was given this name for a reason. and I fully intend to glorify and reflect the Lord with it. Sorry, Satan. You don't get to have my "joy."
Love,
Joy :)
