JOY
One of my favorite french phrases is "joie de vivre," which means literally, joy of living. I think we are here to enjoy life!
In fact, Jesus tells us, in His own words, just that:
"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)," John 10:10 Amplified Bible (AMP)
He came that I might have joy. Now, joy is different from happiness. Being happy depends on circumstances, being joyful depends on knowing Who holds the circumstances.
Does that mean everything is roses and sunshine?
No. He didn't promise me a life filled with ease. He did promise to never let me go it alone, to watch each step of the way; and then, in the end, work all things together for my good.
If I really believe that, how can I help but be joyful?
One last thing: I believe it is important for me, as a Christ-follower to act joyful. If I look worried and distracted all the time, where is the testimony in that? Who would be drawn to a life filled with sourness?
I'm not saying to live a lie, but I search my heart. I focus on Him. I feel sure I can think of something to bring joy to my face!
STOP
Some of my other posts on joy:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
Sounds like fun, yes? If you want to join us, go to Lisa-Jo Baker.com.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
Sounds like fun, yes? If you want to join us, go to Lisa-Jo Baker.com.
Love this! I wrote something very similar myself. Here from FMF. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Jerralea! Thanks for sharing your words with us today. Yes, the most wonderful thing about joy is how it defies our difficult circumstances. I agree, it can be a bit of 'work' but really is the right frame of heart to have for those who have Jesus in our lives. Have a joyful weekend. xRuth
ReplyDeleteI love this! You are so right! That is the only thing that keeps me going sometimes-knowing that He will work ALL things out for my good! I am fixing to go on a mission trip in May and here lately EVERYTHING has went wrong! I am totally convinced it is spiritual warfare and the devil trying to steal, kill and destroy! So grateful that God never leaves us when we do go through situations in life!!
ReplyDeleteThis was such a blessing and an encouragement to read! And so nice to be reminded of these thoughts and that verse.
ReplyDeleteEspecially loved the ending statement you left us with. There is so much power and joy in having that attitude.
Have a wonderful weekend :)
~Jazzmin