Sometimes we find ourselves among those who mourn like the Prophet Jeremiah. “My joy is gone; grief is upon me; my heart is sick within me.” Jeremiah 8:18 (ESV)
Sometimes we wander to Someday Isle. Someday I’ll get lots of money and then I’ll be happy. Someday I’ll have all my problems solved and I’ll be happy. Someday I’ll have no worries or sickness . . . We’ve all been to the wishing well on that island.
Do not mistake happiness with joy. The Scriptures speak of Joy more than 330 times. Happiness is mentioned only 26 times. Happiness is a settled peace one gets when everything is going right in one’s world. Joy, on the other hand, is an emotion one experiences when one’s attitude toward God is correct. Joy proceeds from the Almighty God because of one’s faith that he is in control no matter the surrounding circumstances.
As God’s people, we choose to be joyful and happy despite the worries, troubles, and difficulties in our lives. Our joy is never because of perfect circumstances. The Psalmist set the pace, “We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the LORD has done for them’” Psalm 126:2 (NLT).
People of joy chase laughter instead of waiting for it to stumble into their lives. They know that “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” Proverbs 17:22 (KJV). There’s enough dried bones around us. How about choosing the merry heart. It does make a difference!
A joy is infectious. Where joy is lived, Christ is evident. Others will be convinced that He makes a difference in life. Joy is a witness that we can live under pressure, transformed by the power of grace. When on the couch of grouch sing this song. When hassled and frazzled sing it all day long.
“I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart
I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.”
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” St. John 15:13 (ESV).
Dear Father, I praise you for the joy that you give, which is our strength. Help us to be happy, full of Joy, and laugh in the face of life’s pressures. Thank you for your empowering grace. In the name of Jesus, I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged today by the joy of the Lord,