Joy is not a feeling
but a choice. You have to CHOOSE joy, otherwise you will succumb to your
feelings and emotions. Our feelings and emotions can take us on a roller coaster
ride. We can feel happy when our circumstances are going well and depressed
when our circumstances are troubling. Joy, however, can be with us everyday
through the good times and the not-so good times.
Joy does not =happiness. Biblical joy is a by-product of a confident,
calm and relaxed state that trusts in the Sovereignty of God at all times.
Happiness comes as a result of something positive happening to us or around us,
such as getting a raise at work or when two people fall in love.
The fruit of the Holy
Spirit is, “love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness and faithfulness.” Happiness is not mentioned as the
fruit of the Holy Spirit. We cannot generate this true joy ourselves, it is the
product of the Holy Spirit in us. This type of joy cannot be extinguished by
the circumstances of life. As a Christian if you rarely feel joy this in an
indicator of a problem that shows there is brokenness such as anger, repressed
trauma or hopelessness. Ask Holy Spirit to show you the root of your lack of
joy.
CHOOSE JOY! |
Joy has not come easy
for me over the years, I admit I have struggled to find joy during my difficult
seasons. Many of my circumstances are still challenging, and I don’t feel happy about the pain many of the
people and situations in my life has caused. I can however, CHOOSE to be joyful
despite these difficulties. The big
question is how? I can tell you firsthand, joy does not look like
happiness. Joy can be described as a calm delight that God is in control and
you can enjoy the blessings that you do have while not focusing on the
hardships. Happiness is a feel-good emotion that produces elation, excitability
and temporary pleasure.
How to get
your joy back:
If you have not had joy
in a while, take heart because joy can be restored.
Restore to me the joy of my salvation, and make
me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:12
Joy is found in God’s
presence. If you are lacking in joy, trying to spend intimate time with God.
You make known to me the path of life; in your
presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures fovermore.
Psalm 16:11
Joy is the result of righteousness.
If you have unrepented sin in your life, it will diminish your joy.
Light shines on the godly, and joy on those
whose hearts are right. Psalm 97:11
Joy can be found in God’s
word.
Your statues are my heritage forever; they are
joy of my heart. Psalm 119:11
Joy comes with hope.
Develop the habit of anticipating God’s goodness in your life.
The hope of the righteous brings joy. Proverbs
10:28
Joy comes when we trust
the Lord.
Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord. Psalm
40:4
Jesus said,” These things I have spoken to you that My
joy may be in you and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:11
The apostle Paul said, “always rejoice.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Rekindle your love for
Jesus to get your joy back. Perhaps you have been angry, disappointed or let-down
by God and have kept Him at a distance. Admit to God your feelings, and then
ask Him to fill you afresh with an outpouring of His love.
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