Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. — Henri Nouwen
Joy is a spiritual fruit not a human emotion. Joy is fulfilling not a feeling and it stems from the heart not the mind. Joy is obtained when we are in harmony with God. Joy can cause you to have strength to embark upon and overcome the toughest challenges or simply cause you to coast through good times with gratitude. Joy cannot be taken from a person as many think. Joy can only be given away by its possessor. How fitting is the lyrics of a song by the gospel great Shirley Caesar, “This Joy that I have…the world didn’t give it the world can’t take it away.”
If your “joy tank” is empty or low, then you have allowed people or circumstances to cause you to uncap or puncture your “tank”. Once your “tank” is opened or leaking, it is impossible to keep full. If you value Joy, then you will protect and guard it. Reflecting on life’s positives, having gratitude, great expectations, faith, and fulfilling your passion, all help to protect and increase the joy in your life. Joy should be the “fuel” that keeps the “engine” in us running. It is a state of being that is not dependant on whether good things happen for you. If you are only happy when things are going well, you are on the emotional roller coaster that incites fear and thrills but nothing sustaining.
Have you ever had peace in the midst of a difficult time? If so, that is true Joy!
Are you valuing and protecting your Joy?
Enrichment: Proverbs 10:28 The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. Romans 15:13 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment