A Life of Joy
Joy is not only an emotion to be desired, it is also a command to be obeyed. Joy is -to some degree- A CHOICE.
How can this be? Are you to simply ignore your circumstances and live outside reality? No.
But a Life of Joy can be learned – and suffering is most often the teacher.
The Scriptures clearly point out the path toward a life of joy:
1. Accept your circumstances and be thankful in them – Read 1 Thes 5:16-18
2. Choose not to worry – Read Philippians 4:6
3. Fix your eyes on Jesus rather on your situation – following His example in suffering – Hebrews 12:2
4. Put your hope in future glory – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Colossians 1:5; Titus 1:2
It is through the joy and peace exhibited in suffering that God is most visible in your life. When you live a life of joy – regardless of your circumstances- others will see Jesus in you.
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One Response so far
Carol Anne
March 31st, 2009
8:36 am
Living a life of joy is an open invitation given to everyone by God. And it is indeed a CHOICE that we need to make that will make a great difference! Everything and anything that we could ask for from God was already given. It is just a matter of decision.
All of us, when going through dry seasons, tough times, and fiery trials in our life, always look for an escape and most of the times – resources of solutions, thinking the best possible answer to surpass the moment of learning great things from God. It is in these circumstances that our joy fades, our peace is snatched from us, our understanding seems to run away from us… how will we then fight for our joy? Would there be a way to bring it back?
In our seemingly impossible situations is where God reveals the truth about Himself. And being sensitive enough to the simple nudges of the Holy Spirit, will we then know that the joy and peace we are looking for is just a Scripture away from us. We need not go out and search for answers nowhere. The way and the solutions are in the Word of God which was made available to us even before the foundation of the earth.
It was said in Nehemiah 8: 10, ‘… for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’
It was when the Israelite went back to the Source of all, it was when they have returned and turned to God, to His Word given to them through Moses, that they have understood the word which was made known to them even before they gone through the storms of life and captivity. It was then they celebrated with great joy in their hearts! It was the day of the Lord!
Each day made by God is His. It is the day of the Lord! So whatever circumstance you are going through today, choose to live a life of joy. Choose to live by His Word, to walk with His Spirit, choose to always go back to the Source – JESUS. And surely, as you understand His Word which was made know to you, that you will regain the stillness of your spirit, His peace that passes all understanding and the unspeakable joy that only JESUS can give.
Praise JESUS to the highest! GOD Bless to everyone!
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