Skip to main content

Interpreting True Joy

Joy is our inheritance... What does that mean?

Biblical joy is often misunderstood to be strictly a feeling; while there is no doubt that living for Jesus has plenty of feel-good times, believers are guaranteed just as many hard times.  Maintaining a hopeful outlook despite the situation is where authentic joy from Christ is met.  


Joy is our reminder that God cares for us even in seemingly small events.  I believe our sincere pursuit of His good plan for us in those miniscule moments is where His authentic joy is met.  Jeremiah 29:13 reads, "you will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all your heart."  While we can't control precisely how each day is going to turn out, we have the power to choose how we ought to perceive certain things.


---

“We know we can either look at the glass half full or the glass half empty… but how about recognizing that the glass is full of water or it's full of air; regardless it's full of something!” - Unknown 

---


Admiring marvelous works of art at the coffee shop reminds me of the creativity of the Lord; the earth was His canvas and each and everyone one of us is His masterpiece.

That feeling of excitement when I see my tulips come back every spring reminds me that everything tiny and temporary still holds purpose and beauty.

Engaging in simple conversations with people as we go about our day reminds me that everyone has a story and how much of a blessing it is to be still and listen.

Observing my sweet daughter’s curiosity and awe of the little things reminds me of how crucial it is to listen to Jesus’ words in maintaining a childlike faith. 


---

  “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

---


We can embrace God’s joy in every moment despite how we feel because He is our hope.  People are fickle and even the most well intended person may fail you, but the Bible is consistent in articulating the perfect characteristics of Christ.  Personally, I find a lot of comfort in logic and the consistent nature of Christ: both gentle, loving, gracious, merciful, and kind, whilst also maintaining strength, authority, legitimacy, protection, and a never ending amount of patience. 

 Following God’s plan for your life does require sacrifice and that won’t always feel good; it means turning from old habits and thought patterns.  Bringing glory to the Lord isn’t a one sided thing; living for Christ is also a blessing to us. His plans are not only for His glory but for our good. 


---

"Those who trust in the Lord will be joyful." Proverbs 16:20


Because…


"we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:38

---


You can't have the biblical joy of the Lord without the Lord.  His joy is a promise that no matter what happens, He has you in the palm of His hand.  It is written, He will never leave you nor forsake you.  It is written, Jesus himself experienced unimaginable pain on the cross, but because of the joy set before Him, He endured it.  It is written, life will try to keep you down but no weapon formed against you will prosper.  It is written, His joy is our strength.  It is written, you, the reader, are fearfully and wonderfully. Next time you find yourself questioning your purpose, please remember that there is a God who adores you and wants the absolute best for you- something only Christ can provide. Once you taste and see the goodness of the Lord, you will never be the same. People are fickle, but the love of God endures eternity.

---
"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8
---

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

at least the apartment is clean

Bruised heart, Blistered hands, Heavy weight, Thinning strands. Worry, Anxiety Never ends Car so stubborn  refuse to start cliche  Monday  “Your cup is overflowing” Car is idle, continuously rattling twist the key repetitive doubt decreasing faith crying out "why God- of all the days" dehydrated bank account Where do I look? from bad to worse “Look up” Swollen gray sky Tears slither down Hugs exchanged With a curse word or two maybe three, definitely more There is no shame  life hits hard An unprepared weight  No man can carry  Why bother trying? you’ll just lose faith but tell yourself it’ll be okay, “Why so little faith?” “I said it’ll be okay” I mindlessly rummage through the wrinkly clean laundry, sloppily folding them, and toss them on the mysteriously sticky stained coffee table.  I scatter over to the dishwasher. Steam pollutes the air; kissing my cheeks as I begin t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Quarantine Thoughts: An Opportunity for Compassion

In as little as a few weeks, the entire world fell ill. ~ The person compulsively posting divided opinions on Facebook. The person fed up with Facebook strife. The teenagers walking down the street in a group greater than ten. The man approaching them, infuriated, holding a knife.  The single mom worried about making ends meet. The single mom's child oblivious to her mother's sense of defeat. The grocery store clerk wishing they didn't have to go into work today. The clothing store retail worker wishing they had work and guaranteed pay.  Those health care providers risking their lives to save your loved ones. Someone you love that was with you one minute, is now gone. I think all of us are confused, bored, maybe nervous for the unknown.  Humanity thrives on the idea of having power and control over our own lives.  For the first time for many of us, this virus introduced the depth of our human-vulnerability.  You hear conspiracy theorist...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Keep Pushing"

I don't know who needs to hear this but God wants you to keep pushing. Keep pushing. Keep pushing. God is telling you to "keep pushing, son.  Keep pushing, daughter.  I am with you." Emotions are powerful, important, and justified.  While we are entitled to feel our emotions, we will not accept defeat.  Our emotions can make us feel defeated, but we're not going to allow defeat to take the victory. Something may have been working out, but now it's not.  If that's the case, then know that God has something better.  He always does. "Why me?  Why is this happening to us?  Why isn't this working out?" Combat those feelings with faith, friend.  This is urgent.  These are not empty words.  I'm not speaking to a specific issue because you are already filling in the blank.  Combat those feelings with faith-you know what it is.  Faith should always go before our feelings. It's a struggle right now.  But I have conf...
Post a Comment
Read more