"Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, rejoice." - Philippians 4:4
Men have pursued joy in every avenue imaginable. Some have successfully found it while others have not. Perhaps it would be easier to describe where joy cannot be found:
Not in Unbelief -- Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote: "I wish I had never been born." Not in Pleasure -- Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure if anyone did. He wrote: "The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone." Not in Money -- Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of that. When dying, he said: "I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth." Not in Position and Fame -- Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both. He wrote: "Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret." Not in Military Glory -- Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his day. Having done so, he wept in his tent, before he said, "There are no more worlds to conquer."
Where then is real joy found? -- the answer is simple, in Christ alone. Everything outside of Christ is a joy robber! He alone gives purpose, satisfaction, meaning, and yes unbridled joy to the hearts of His children! Today, seek Him and seek His purpose in your life. In my old Schofield Bible from my freshman year of college I found this statement from a professor who is in Glory: "Pursuing Christ is the greatest pursuit; discovering Christ is the greatest discovery; loving Christ is the greatest fulfillment; and knowing Christ is the greatest joy!"
Start your week out right by seeking Christ alone. When you find Him you will discover joy that only He can give to you!