JOY ETERNAL: DO YOU WANT IT? ... that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. St. John 15:11

...  that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. St. John 15:11

 JOY ETERNAL: DO YOU WANT IT?

The grace-filled elder Avvakum from Lavra (on Mt. Athos) would say:

JOY comes from one’s relationship and union with God.
Mankind has been created to be joyful, not sad.
When you enjoy the wrong things, you will inevitably pay back for all this pleasure you have had. But God’s joy demands no repayment. 

For instance I, who own nothing in this world, cannot pay for the happiness I have. I am not the only one proclaiming this truth. My brother monks, who also have nothing else besides God, are filled with joy. I have emptied myself for Christ’s sake. I have nothing but my Lord – and joy.

Poverty is beautiful for it sets you free.

One should empty himself to make room for Christ to enter his heart. When the Lord is with me, there is my happiness also. In each ascetic cave (within) you will find spiritual joy.