I'd like to share a little with you about the creation of these shirts. I've had a lot of people make comments that they don't feel joyful in the mornings. I had never really thought about that. I will be the first person to admit that I am NOT a morning person, and I am much more friendly after at least one cup of coffee. That's not what this shirt is about though. It's about Joy; Deep, abiding JOY, which is much more than an emotion. It's a fruit of the Spirit. When I created this design, I was personally struggling with joy. It was right after our miscarriage, and it wasn't easy to feel joyful. At first I was working on a shirt with "Choose Joy" on it, but I just couldn't get the design perfect. Something about that phrase didn't ring true for me in that time. I didn't feel like I was able to choose joy. Maybe beg God for joy? Yes! But that's not exactly t-shirt material! Then a friend reminded me of the verse "joy comes in the morning," and I immediately wanted to use that verse.
"I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me. O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O Lord. You kept me from falling into the pit of death. Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:1-5
I really love these verses. I cried to God for help in my season of grief, and He answered me. I struggled to feel joyful amidst the sadness, and He gave me joy. When we recognize our need for Him and ask for help, He provides. He Himself is our joy, and He is all we need. I hope this t-shirt will be an encouraging reminder of God's generosity in giving us joy, especially as we approach Christmas. In His Grace, Sarah