Another dull gray day, another day of self-isolation, and it’s getting harder to keep the spirits up. Whatever happened to joy?
Jesus wants our joy to be full (see John 15:11). And it’s one of the fruits of the Spirit. Joy should be the hallmark of a Christian: a kind of identifying aura that others can sense; something that spreads to push out sorrow and gloom and apathy.
Well, I’m a Christian. Why do I not feel the joy?
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
There’s a saying that if you can’t find your happiness, you just might find it hiding in your gratitude. I’m thinking you could as easily say that if you’ve lost your joy, you just might find it hiding in your praise.
Here’s the thing: joy might be an emotion you can’t control, but rejoicing is an action you can take whenever you want to. And the more you put it into practice, the more you’ll find it changing your heart.
All of us rejoice without thinking when things go well. But Christians have the choice to rejoice whatever the situation, thanks to the Lord who is faithful and who is working all things for the good of those who love him (see Romans 8:28).
If you choose to spend time rejoicing — by praising and thanking the Lord for his goodness — you just might find joy hiding in your praise.
Jump into Joy
Here’s a good acronym for REJOICE, paired with Scripture verses about rejoicing that help us understand and tap into its power. (If you can, look these up in your Bible so you can read and meditate on them in context. And if you find some others – feel free to add them to the comments below!)
Receive
Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Everything
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Joyfully
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100:1-2)
Only
Through [Jesus] we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. (Romans 5:2)
In
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:11)
Christ
Without having seen him you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. (1 Peter 1:8)
Every day
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Photo by Rainier Ridao on Unsplash
If you’re not feeling joy today, take time to rejoice! Praise the Lord and ask him to take your offering and return it in joy.
Blessings on you as you Come Into the Word.
© 2020 Sarah Christmyer
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Oh, how I am enjoying your blog!Haven’t subscribed to it long(just since I saw you on “The Journey Home.”
I was just getting ready to write a note to a longtime friend who shared with my husband that she and her husband are now divorced after more than 35 years of marriage. I can’t imagine! She is the most positive and joy filled woman I know. But, I still plan to write her some scripture you included in your post,and some of your wise words. Of course, I will also share your name and book with her and let her know that your writings are where I obtained the scripture passages,etc.
You have given me the courage today to get this note written to her. Coincidence,I don’t think so! The blog is something I needed greatly to read and work on for myself.
Thank you, Suzann Garner
Suzann, Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad to hear it! May the Lord bless both of you with his joy. Sarah.