Choose Joy!
Joy—the feeling of inner gladness, great pleasure, and happiness.
Does this picture represent your joy right now?
In Luke 1, an angel of the Lord appeared to some shepherds in their fields and told them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” What the angel was announcing was the birth of Jesus, their Savior. In John 16, it is Jesus announcing to the disciples that He will be leaving them soon but only for a little while. “You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.” “So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.”
Where does joy come from? Joy comes from God. More specifically, joy comes from the Holy Spirit. In John 16, before Jesus was talking with the disciples about His departure, He was teaching them about the Holy Spirit. And Paul emphasized to the Thessalonians, that they received the message of salvation with joy given to them by the Holy Spirit.
Practically speaking, having joy, being joyful, can be your norm, even through suffering, by having a relationship with Jesus. The more intimate the relationship, the easier it is to choose joy. If your “Joy Meter” is running low, try putting yourself in time-out with Jesus. Read the story of His birth in the book of Luke and remember as a follower of Jesus Christ, you have joy within you. However, maybe your joy is being smothered by your people-pleasing, perfection, frantic mode. YIKES! Did I say that out loud?
Sweet friends, what matters is not the perfect decorations or presents but being filled to overflow with joy so that it flows out into your family, friends, and everyday life. It is those actions that will be remembered. Be intentional in spending time with the Lord and watch your “Joy Meter” go up! And I pray for each of you, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13