There’s something about having joy.
Life.
I think some of you understand the weight that word brings with it. Work, bills, relationships, family, heartache, headache, sickness, deaths, depression, stress – it all takes a toll. At some point one or more of these problems is actively working adversely in our lives. It is hard to manage and to walk daily. (Actually, for me it’s a daily battle. That is one of the reasons I write.)
The way I battle life and win – is to actively seek and pursue joy. No, not happiness but joy. Happiness is based on happenings around me. Joy is a different outcome and feeling.
Yes, it has to be sought.
I love the deep down gut feeling of joy. It can be experienced when there are problems surrounding you. Having trust and faith play a huge part in accessing it during those rough times. Fear and unbelief, which work against trust and faith, can deter us from experiencing joy. Joy is a state of mind that can be tapped anywhere and in all types of situations. It is only accessible through a relationship with God. A portion of Isaiah 12 gives explanation:
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.” Isaiah 12:2-4 KJV
Once we have relationship through confessing and believing that Jesus is Lord, we have the ability to maintain joy. The Holy Spirit within allows us to access joy.
“Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Psalms 51:11-12 KJV
As mentioned above we can be distanced/cast way from the state of joy. Our human frailties of sin and transgression can separate us from obtaining joy. God cleanses us so that we can experience it. The prayer of Psalm 51 shows us the type of heart we must have. It takes appealing to God to be able to obtain joy.
“Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.” Psalms 51:8 KJV
The promise of better times in perilous moments keeps me seeking joy:
“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalms 30:5 KJV
The presence of joy is an indication that God is present. Galatians 5 lists it as a fruit of the Spirit meaning that it is a positive outgrowth of relationship with the Almighty God.
I encourage every believer to battle “life” troubles with personally seeking joy. Sometimes it doesn’t come with ease, but we know it is accessible and available if we seek it.
lifeandgodliness 