January Joy

The winter season--and especially the month of January--is the least favorite time of year for some people. Not everyone, of course, but I've heard lots of folks say they don't like winter or the month of January, due to the cold weather, often-dreary days, and lack of color in the landscape. Yet sometimes there is beauty in this time of year. For those who live in areas that receive snow, there are peaceful, snow-covered scenes that remind us of Christmas cards. Even though my area seldom ever gets snow, today we had gorgeous weather that seemed spring-like, kind of like a little preview to the next season!
But whatever the weather or the outdoors looks like where we live, we can still have joy. Not something that depends on our circumstances, but the joy that only faith in Jesus can bring. Knowing that whatever we may experience in the days ahead, the Lord is with us each step of the way. If we will remember this, we can feel joy on even the dreariest of winter days.
     Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.  Psalm 16:11