What does joy mean to you? Is it listening to your favorite song? Or maybe spending time with the people you love? Whatever it is, I want you to think about how you experience joy in your life. Joy is talked about among people of all races, in every culture, in every nation. It’s universal. Why, what’s the big deal?
You see, joy is what brings us together. As humans, we are made to be joyful. That’s just the way we have been wired. Recently, I have made a discovery about joy.
I have considered myself to be a fairly happy person. Whether it be having a good day, hanging out with friends, or enjoying a meal(I love good food), you could usually catch me with a smile on my face. There have always been things that made me HAPPY, there’s no doubt about that.
But what I noticed is that many of these things were temporary. They didn’t fulfill my heart long-term, and once they passed, so did the joy. Maybe you have also noticed this in your own life.
So here is the catch: There is a difference between worldly joy and Godly joy. Worldly joy comes in all forms: success, high financial status, family, travel, adventure. I won’t lie, it looks appealing. And often, it seems legit. But it is found in things that do not last. Because, my friends, everything on this earth is temporary. But Godly joy- THAT is somethin’ special. You see, I originally was under the illusion that joy is just a gift….and while that is true, it is so much more.
Joy is a choice.
Often, many of us get caught up in our daily routines and are susceptible to becoming slaves to negativity. Something that my pastor said that’s stuck with me is “Don’t let your circumstance compromise your joy.” There is something that changes in your heart when you choose joy. Trust me, I know. We all have things that inconvenience us in life- struggles are inevitable…We live in a fallen world. But whether you choose to let those things trip you up or choose to be grateful throughout is entirely your choice. You see, gratitude is the game changer. Gratitude is recognizing that all those things in the temporary world that bring you joy are blessings from the source of eternal joy. When you recognize that it is not out of your own achievement that you have obtained these blessings, but instead they come from the Lord, gratitude and praise become your anthem.
“So I decided there is nothing better to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anythings apart from him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26)
People, wake up! We have been given one life and a whole lot of blessings. Give thanks to God. Because maaaaan is he good. And man, he’s given us the best gift.
