joy
Noun 1. a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
This life has its parts that kinda suck. That looks different for each one of us… But God doesn’t want us to hold on to the lame parts of our day, He wants to give us joy IN the lame parts of our days. In fact, His Joy is our strength to get through the lame parts. Nehemiah 8:10b says “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
The Lord is the Source of Joy
Psalm 16:11 says “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” The way to get through THIS life is with HIS Joy that He gives … and that is really what living now is about!
Be Present with God
Psalm 21:6 says “You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence.” There is JOY in just being in God’s presence… it’s up to you to allow yourself to be present with God even in a lame part of your day or life. That looks a little different for everyone but it means praying and being in the word.
Look to him
In those time when we can’t even imagine having joy… LOOK to HIM for help. You can never go wrong in turning to the Lord. Psalm 34:5 says “Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” Don’t count on yourself or others even, but look to Him when you have need.
Joy will come
And when we just think the things of this life really are that LAME – Psalm 30:5 says “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Just cling to HIM and the joy WILL come! Continually trust and know that He is faithful!
My Heart
Oh Lord Jesus, you are the source of real joy and happiness. Fill me to overflowing with your JOY. Help me to take my eyes and mind off myself and my circumstances. Help me to view my situation the way that you see it. That you want to use me today in this to glorify yourself. My hearts desire is that you would be glorified always. Help me to be present with you! Not distracted and not lazy! Help to always look to you and I thank you for the promise that JOY will come! Thank you Jesus for loving me as much as you do! In your name, amen.