Joy will be the result of God's Spirit at work in our lives. Happiness is caused by outward circumstances but Joy will come from our inward relationship with God. Joy like Love is divine in origin. Joy knows that no matter what the situation we always have God. When we truly have joy the world will know it because we will show it.
Joy is at the very heart and nature of God. Being with God, obeying God, doing the will of God produces Joy in our heart.
Once we and by we I mean human beings realize that we are like a "seed" and we must "plant" ourselves in God our creator. Then we will "blossom" and grow into our true selves. Once we blossom we will know who we are and our mission or purpose in life, what we were put here to accomplish.
God has put a task before each of us in this life and if you are still here your task has not been completed. We are not alive for no reason; we all have a job to do, a "reason for being."
By walking and talking with God we will find the task that we "en-joy" doing and our "reason for being."
"it is a time to celebrate with a hearty meal, and to send presents to those in need, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. You must not be dejected and sad!"
(Nehemiah 8:10 tlb)
The world often associates Joy with happiness and pleasure. The dictionary defines joy as "a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight." Joy is more than just "keen pleasure or delight." Joy is not an emotion, it is a virtue. Joy, like Love is an attitude we choose to express whatever the circumstances.
Joy should be experienced every hour of every day and not just on special occasions. Being alive should give us Joy each second of the day. We have been redeemed by Jesus and that fact also gives us an eternal hope which should fill us with Joy.
"A cheerful heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit makes one sick."
(Proverbs 17:22 tlb)
Joy is strength because it gives a deeper sense of well being and allows us to endure with confidence in God.
"Your words are what sustain me; they are food to my hungry soul. They bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me. How proud I am to bear your name. O Lord."
(Jeremiah 15:16 tlb)
Jeremiah had it right; the Lord is our source of Joy.
Having good values and living righteously is the way to experience Joy. As we grow and appreciate the moment and the supreme wonders of life Joy will rise from within like a fountain and shower those we contact with happiness.
"So rejoice in him, all those who are his, and shout for joy, all those who try to obey him."
(Psalms 32: 11 tlb)
Many times our Joy is not connected to a peaceful or agreeable situation. Our Job can steal our Joy if it becomes the focus of our life instead of a tool to provide for our needs and giving us an outlet for our creativity.
We all live in our own little world and if the world we live in is not allowing us to find Joy then we must make the necessary changes to allow the Joy that comes from a relationship with God to enter our life.
On many occasions the degree of difficulty will determine the degree of Joy. Many of the disciples and followers of Jesus were full of Joy, yet many of them perished at the hands of their enemies, or faced difficulties beyond our imagination.
What happened to Paul and Silas is a prime example, they were in terrible pain I am sure, yet they were filled with Joy which gave them the strength to worship and praise God in the midst of a horrible situation. They discovered a Joy that was deeper than an emotion the kind of Joy we must all seek to possess.
"They are teaching people to do things that are against the Roman laws. "A mob was quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the judges ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden whips. Again and again the rods slashed down across their bared backs; and afterwards they were thrown into prison Around midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to the Lord"
(Acts 16: 21-25 tlb)
At times in our life we will be put under pressure and we may find it difficult to act with self control or act joyfully but we must endure like Paul and Silas. When the others saw Paul and Silas' Joy in the middle of their suffering they wanted to know this same Jesus that had brought them such joy. Notice what happened next.
"Trembling with fear, the jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down before Paul and Silas. He brought them out and begged them, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?".That same hour he washed their stripes and he and all his family were baptized How he and his household rejoiced because all were now believers!"
(Acts 16:29-34 tlb)
Notice that once the jailer had accepted Christ he was filled with Joy because he had come to believe in God - he and his whole family. Joy is not an emotion; it is a state of mind, it is a deep work of the Spirit that cannot be shaken by what happens in this world.
"Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete."
(James 12-4 tlb)
Christ's Joy is what gave Him strength for the greatest trial of His life on Earth and is an example for us. God wants us to realize that he cares for us and he wants us to approach life in victory and joy, not defeat.
"And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing, if we don't get discouraged and give up."
(Galatians 6:9 tlb)
"Shout with Joy before the Lord, O earth! Obey him gladly; come before him, singing with Joy. Try to realize what this means the Lord is God! He made us we are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
(Psalms100:1-3 tlb)
Joy is a beautiful thing and a benefit that comes from having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Our Joy is based on what we believe. The Promises of God constantly encouraged us to have Joy because Joy will affect our circumstances and give us the victory in whatever situation we may find ourselves.
"But make everyone rejoice who puts his trust in you. Keep them shouting for joy because you are defending them. Fill all who love you with your happiness. For you bless the godly man, O Lord; you protect him with your shield of love."
(Psalms 5:11 tlb)
Peace
Mr. Frazier is founder of Successful-Outcomes.Org which is dedicated to providing positive help to those in need of guidance in the area of coming to the knowledge of God and how He will assist them in their daily lives.
Mr. Frazier completed his studies in Metaphysics in 2003 and received his MscD., Doctor Of Metaphysical Science, Designation at that time from The University Of Metaphysics, Los Angeles California and resides in Hyattsville, Maryland – USA
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