We have been told to find the joy of the Lord. But what does this mean? How can we remain joyful even when everything seems to be going wrong or life does not happen according to plan? Today, we will talk about how to find this joy and have it be a part of every day life.
Joy is defined as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. We experience joy when something great happens such as a promotion, an accomplishment, or you are content with life. While these things can make us happy, it is only temporary. It is temporary because it will not keep us happy forever. Joy can be taken away when life takes a different direction.
However, when we find our joy in the Lord, we can be happy no matter what happens. It does not mean bad events will happen but rather, you are not letting them define you. How do we find this joy? We have to know who Jesus is and what He means to us.
Paul wrote in Philippians 4: 11-13 “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” (NIV)
Paul knew who Jesus was and that is how he was able to find joy. As mentioned before, we find joy in knowing who Jesus is and what He is to us. In the Bible, Jesus is known as the Redeemer (Galatians 3:13), Healer (Psalm 103:3), Savior (1 John 4:14), Comforter (2 Corinthians 1:3), Friend (John 15:14), and Father (John 1:12) to name a few. The Lord can be everything you want Him to be. However, it depends on what you allow Him to be. Once Jesus becomes your everything, you will have a inner peace knowing that God is in control and you can trust Him.
Even though you know Jesus, you may have times where you are not feeling joyful. In these times, we need to call upon the Lord to give us strength. Nehemiah 8:10 states “…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” God can give us exactly what we need when we call upon Him. You have to know Him when you call upon Him because He wants us to come in faith. Without faith, you cannot please Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Today, if you are not feeling the joy of the Lord, it is not too late to call upon Him! Ask for His joy in your life and He will give it to you. The joy that God gives is eternal and you will not need anything else to keep you happy. When you are dependent on God in all areas, you will live life more abundantly since we were created to have a personal relationship with Him. Choose the joy of the Lord in your life and you will God’s peace today and forever.
Thought for the week: What is Jesus to you in your life? Can He be more?