Joy is lacking in me and I am sad about that.
How’s that for an opening statement?
So I’ve been doing some reading on blogs and other websites about joy. I want to be joyful. Here are some quotes:
Joy is a choice; it is commanded. If you were to command your three year old child to complete an assignment of advanced algebra, he or she would not be able to do it. They could not keep your command. A good father would only ask you to do what is possible for you to complete. God is a good father. He commands us to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) Those instructions are written in the imperative form, meaning they are commands. God wants us to consistently act with joy. We are to rejoice in spite of our circumstances and mood. Since he commands it, we must be able to choose to rejoice. ~~~ Pastor Ed, Olivet Baptist Church
Joy is also a perspective; it is based on the mighty works of God. I am sure you are well of aware of Paul’s imprisonment in Philippi. They cast a demon out of the fortune-telling slave girl. The owners got upset and had Paul thrown in prison. Paul and Silas were stripped of their clothes and beaten. Then they were thrown in a cold prison cell to await their trial. If there ever were a time to be down in the mouth, this is it. Instead, they are singing songs of praise to God. Their joy is irrepressible. Shortly, after an earthquake the jailer and his family come to Christ. If Paul and Silas had been grumpy, complaining people, I doubt that would have happened. (Acts 16:16-34) ~~~ Pastor Ed, Olivet Baptist Church
Well, that’s just a couple notes on joy. What it comes down to is that I want to have more joy and less stress and frustration. It is something that I’m going to be working on this year. It is something that I will be reading more about and sharing with my readers. (At least that’s the plan; my follow-thru has been lacking.)
Still diggin',
2 comments:
ooooh, let's chat about joy sometmes.. God gave me an annointing of joy a few years ago.. That's one of the things I"m reclaiming in 2011, JOY! (today is a "missing" day. I've been cryiing at the drop of a hat. but there is sitll JOY. Tomorrow will be even better!)
LaDonna - I'm right there with you! Sometimes it takes some focus to differentiate between joy and happiness in every day life. I have to keep telling myself that happiness is temporary and fleeting. Joy is enduring even in the face of adversity.....
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