Joy to the World

            “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

Proverbs 17:22 (NASB)

All we have to do is turn on the news and we are assaulted by negativity.  Very seldom do we ever see or hear anything positive during a broadcast. Living in a fallen world, sin and sorrow abound and strive to bring us down.

So, how can we stay positive?

Joy is the answer that can transform our world — our hearts — and our minds. Joy is relational, contagious and life-changing. It reduces stress and improves our immune system. Joy is a choice — a choice that impacts everything we say and do!

“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you,

and that your joy may be made full.”

 John 5:11 (NASB)

People who chose joy are resilient. They bounce back from adversity. Therefore, even in the most difficult life experiences, we can find joy — if we look for it.

I discovered happiness is temporary; it’s a feeling that comes and goes. Happiness is most often experienced through our accomplishments or having specific desires met. But Joy, on the other hand, is more than a feeling. It’s a state of mind that stems from a close, personal relationship with God. True joy is grounded in faith, trust, and hope. Ultimately, it is found in the promises of God.

Joy is a magnet — it attracts those around us to want to be in a relationship with us.   People around us will be connected and empowered when we choose Joy. As children of God, we have a responsibility to pursue joy and help other’s around us realize the same experience.

Joy is contagious — Joy is comforting
Joy is finding hope in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

So, how do we maintain our joy throughout the everyday ups and downs?

Implement the following four steps.

1. Spend at least fifteen minutes each day in quiet prayer and communion with God.
2. Study God’s Word and memorize passages that give you hope and encouragement.
3. Focus on things in your life you are thankful for and express your gratitude to God.
4. Exercise complete trust in God’s ability to ultimately work all things in your life together for good.

Joy can be a constant thread that runs throughout our lives—regardless of our circumstances. If our joy is grounded in God and our eternity, nothing can take it away. Joy is a choice. It’s choosing to celebrate the blessings in life rather than focusing on the difficulties. It’s choosing to trust God with our problems, believing that no matter what, everything is going to be okay.

True joy comes when we walk with courageous purpose. No matter what we are going through, finding joy on the journey is always an option.

Are you ready to set time aside each day to acknowledge the God-given gifts and relationships that bring joy to your life? Especially your relationship with your Savior Jesus Christ?