JOY

 

JOY

A few weeks ago, Parade magazine had a picture of actress Sharon Stone on the cover with her quote, “I just want to be happy.”     

            We all want to be happy, don’t we?  The pictures of my two daughters and grandson (above and below) are the best photo examples of happiness I could find.  Their laughing smiles seem to be a picture of pure joy.

What makes you happy?  Each of you is probably thinking of something – the smile of a beloved child, an unexpected check in the mail, a visit from a friend, the words, “your cancer is gone – you’re cured!” 

            Many large and small things can make us happy.  Happiness tends to be externally triggered and is based on other people, things, places, thoughts and events – our circumstances.

While happiness is a wonderful thing, JOY goes deeper.  It doesn’t depend on circumstances and it’s something that can last through both thick and thin.  JOY comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are, based on your relationship with Jesus Christ.  The Holy Bible says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength"

              JOY is the main ingredient that makes all other parts of your life the best they can be.  How do we find joy in a world that’s turned upside down in so many ways?  You’re looking up at me, thinking….  You have no idea what I have to deal with each day.  No, I don’t – and some people have a very difficult path to travel. But, does that mean you can’t experience joy?  Not at all.

The Psalmist writes:  “You [meaning God] will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore,” (16:11).

We find joy, not by looking at the difficulties that surround us, but by lifting our eyes to the One who can put all these things into perspective, and help us live above our circumstances.  There’s a wonderful old hymn with these words: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face – and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

When Jesus was on earth and gave His message of hope, He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full,” John 15:11.

             Ah, wouldn’t we all love to have full joy in our lives.

 Here are six practical steps that can lead to a more joyful life:

1. Spend time with the Lord more regularly. Remind yourself of the words of the Psalmist: “This is a day the Lord has made, I will be glad and rejoice in it,” 118:24.

2. Remember who is Lord over your life. Remember who is in control of every drop of rain and every ray of sunshine.  Don't let your circumstances dictate who you are or how you feel. 

      3. Read your Bible. “Your word is a light to my feet and a lamp to my path” – God’s Word will help us know the way we should go

      4.  Listen to uplifting worship music.  The Psalmist says, “Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth, sing out the honor of His name; make His praise glorious,” 66:1-2.

      5.  Watch out for negative thoughts.  A verse in Philippians reminds us what we should think about: “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report…meditate on these things ” 4:8.

      6.  Pray this prayer to the Lord: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit,” Psalm 31:12.

 I’d like to end with these encouraging words from the apostle Paul: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” Romans 15:13.