where do you find joy?
our pastor was talking a little bit about joy yesterday at church.
we elaborated on it a bit at our community group last night and today it was the topic of my Jesus Calling devotional.
in other words, joy has been on my mind lately!
there are many days that i am not joyful.
many days where i wonder how some people find so much joy...
i know that joy is found in the Lord, sounds cheesy but goodness it is the only constant true JOY in this world of heart ache and pain.
i looked up the definition of joy and this is the first thing i found:
joy:
the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.
Merriam- Webster Dictionary
this made me a little sad.
so many times in our lives we don't have success, health or "good fortune"
joy should not be contingent upon your circumstances.
we discussed last night at our group that many of the happiest, most joyful people we know in this world, have very little money or material things.
is it possible to have money and nice things and still be full of joy? absolutely.
that is why joy does not depend upon what we have.
although sometimes the more we have, the more we want...
i have read a lot of books lately that talk about being thankful. i loved reading 1,000 gifts, totally changes your daily view of life.
i am currently trying to instagram a photo a day of something i am thankful for.
it makes me think about having joy and being thankful about the little things/blessings God gives us each day.
it is so easy to be full of joy when things are going great.
it is so easy to be thankful when the weather is perfect, family is healthy, and things are
"going my way."
i lose focus so easily.
it seems like every time you turn around, someone has been diagnosed with cancer.
there are so many children in this world being abused and need people to love them and give them a home.
how can i help, i don't even know where to begin.
how do i stay full of joy when there are so many people hurting?
i loved reading what Sarah Young wrote in Jesus Calling...
Begin by remembering that I have created this day; it is not a chance, occurrence. Recall that I am present with you whether you sense My presence or not. Then, start talking with Me about whatever is on your mind. Rejoice in the fact that I understand you perfectly, and I know exactly what you are experiencing. As you continue communicating with Me, your mood will gradually lighten. Awareness of My marvelous Companionship can infuse Joy into the greyest day.
then i started getting into the Word.
i ended up reading in Nehemiah where he is telling the people "the joy of the Lord, is your strength."
the people began to change their focus.
they began to repent, experience life and joy overflowed.
i tend to worry
i tend to stress
why do i do these things before i talk to God?
i find such comfort i knowing no matter what that there is forgiveness and God is here.
He is right here with me, always.
that gives me joy.
no matter the day, the circumstances or even the fear of the unknown, God knows, He is here.
He gives me direction.
He is my Joy.
He is enough.
