JOY

Where does your joy come from?

There are days when my joy comes from my circumstances rather than my relationship with Jesus. Hey, I’m human. John 15:9-17 mainly speaks of the love we need to have for one another but in verse 11 Jesus says,” I have spoken these things to you so that MY joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

The joy I spoke of earlier is circumstantial and that’s okay; God wants us to be joyous. However, there are certain points we must understand about joy; divine joy; coming from the Holy Spirit kind of joy.  Divine joy is a gift from God through His Holy Spirit which all believers have access to. It can only be produced by Him. It exists independently of our circumstances. Hard to grasp? Was for me too.

When I’m sick, or dealing with some financial struggles or issues with a co-worker or friend, what can I do to feel joy? What can you do when you are faced with your own adversity?

1) Focus on our relationship with Christ. Do you remember that the promise that our sins are washed away? Pray, get close and chat with God. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.       

2) Meditate on the Word of God. Don’t just simply read it. Savor every word. It’s packed with promises.

3) Plant the seeds and serve the Lord. Go where He calls you to go. Be obedient to that and it will bring you spiritual joy. Don’t you just love giving to others? I do. I love Christmas when I can give to others in my family and in the community. Why not do that all year round? It doesn’t have to be of monetary gifts. What about holding the door for the elderly. Helping someone load groceries in their trunk or just staying positive in your work environment when things are very negative? We all have been called to help others. Seek your calling to serving.

4) See HIS transforming work in others. I belong to a small Women’s Bible Group and when we pray over each other, it is truly a joy to see how God answers those prayers and how He’s working in the lives of those you know or may not even know. He’s always working in lives to save them.

What a precious gift; the gift of joy. No matter what your circumstance is just breathe in joy, ponder the wonder of your new birth, receive the guidance from His Word; serve as God leads and watch as lives around you are changing. You will be filled with joy.

God, thank you for this day. Thank you for the joy you have given me just by knowing that You have every situation of my life in control. I pray for those who struggle with your supernatural joy that is a gift to them. I pray that they are able to put their trust in you today. Amen.