“Joy”

Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trails of many kinds….

James 1:2

 

Many people have the preconceived notion that Christians are always happy and never have anything bad happen to them. That misconception has kept many from taking a step of faith. The Bible is full of stories of people who suffer.

To be joyful in the Lord doesn’t always mean we are happy. My pastor recently preached a sermon on joy. He used an acronym to describe the way to joy. “J” is for Jesus provides salvation. We are to focus on Jesus dying for our sins so that we may have eternal life. “O” is for Holy practices. If we honor God with holy practices such as reading our Bible, prayer, attending church, we will find an inter joy/peace. “Y” is for yield to God’s control. Remember, we are not in control, God is. Let go, let God, and the rest will take care of itself.

Look at your life. Are you looking for joy or are you never satisfied? It seems the more people have the less joy they have. The less people have and the more they give away, the more joy they have.

Application

How much joy do you have?

Prayer

Father, may I be thankful for every opportunity: good and bad. May I be joyful in that I am yours.