fgassette commented on my blog recently, and said: ” I remember reading this somewhere and thought you may like it; ‘“In London, Buckingham Palace flies the royal standard to show that the sovereign is in residence. Day or night the flag can be seen, and the people know that their queen is not away, but at home. Thus, joy flies as the flag over our lives to show that Christ our King is in residence.” Isn’t that ever so lovely? I mean I can picture Buckingham Palace with the royal standard. Those of a certain age will remember Captain Kangaroo showing a film clip of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. This clip always showed the grenadiers marching in formation, while the song ‘they’re changing guards at Buckingham Palace, says Alice’. If you remember the clip, you no doubt remember the song.
So if joy is the flag over our life showing Christ our King is in residence in our hearts, we should always be joyful. He should always be in residence. What does joy look like? It looks like enthusiasm. It looks like the willingness to suspend cynicism. It looks like enthusiastically throwing your arms around life, and saying “I’m all in”. It looks like believing anyway. It looks like shiny, happy, eyes. It also looks like forbearance even during those dark, despondent times. It doesn’t mean you jump around like Tigger when finding out that you have a horrible disease. It does mean that you try to find the way to say “God, I know we can see this through together”; and then you can rejoice in knowing that is true.
It looks like “I’ve got that joy, joy, joy,joy, down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart; I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart, down in my heart to stay”….
We can lay claim to joy. We can praise God that there will be a day that we triumph over our troubles with His grace. We can thank Him for making Himself available to strengthen us. Yes, indeed, Joy is a Flag Over Our Lives. Our faces and lives can be outward signs of our love, devotion, and faith…in God and in each other. 
Believe Anyway 
wonderful imagery…thanks so much! 🙂
Thanks Susan! How is your week going?
Kate that was so nice. I could here that song just like I was back in Sunday School. I was blessed to have been around some very great music. Wonderful post!
Thanks, Terri—me too! I was singing it while I was typing it….love to sing 🙂
You explained this so well with practical examples on what joy looks like in our lives and how joy is one of the fruit of the spirit. I remember that song also and starting singing it with you.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks Francine…I grew up with parents, relatives, and teachers who always gave examples and analogies to help me learn. I was SO blessed. You be encouraged and blessed, to. God bless you 🙂
Always loved this story. A great reminder of the peace we can have knowing our joy comes from the fact that our ‘King’ is home.
Mike
That’s right, Mike. The peace that comes from knowing He is here and with us 24×7.
Amen to that, and Praise The Lord that He is always resident in my heart and in my house
Mine too, Patrecia…mine, too.
Joy flying like a huge banner over our homes — love the image of that! Yes, the King is here in our hearts, in our homes, in our very lives. Thank you for this good word!
It feels so good when we remember to wear our joy through how we live our lives, doesn’t it? When we ask Him to help us do that–the rewards are deep and rich.