JOY

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

Lots of events in life make us happy; births, graduations, weddings, achieving something we worked hard for. But there are other circumstances - things like sickness, money problems, trouble with our relationships, or the death of someone we love - that bring deep sadness and fear. If bad things are happening around us, how can we be joyful always?

 

The joy deep within our hearts doesn't always show up as laughter and happiness. The joy that comes from what Christ has done for us constantly fills our hearts; it doesn't depend on the circumstances of our lives.

We can choose to be joyful even when life is difficult the same way we choose to love those who are seemingly unlovable: by an act of our will. We do this by focusing on Christ instead of the situation that's going on in our life. This isn't easy, but it's certainly not impossible. The Bible is full of examples of people who found joy in the midst of the worst situations, and if we look around, we'll see other examples all around us.

You have the ability through Christ to choose to fill your heart with joy. Praise and worship Jesus in song as you sing carols today.

 

Today, life up your own personal prayer to God. Speak whatever is on your heart.