Do you feel like you live each day to the fullest? A day lived for the glory of God? If you do, I imagine your day is filled with joy. Joy is great, because it is not based on our circumstances. Joy is a positive inward attitude; fruit of the Spirit and a gift from God. People who live with this attitude live life with a capital L. If you are a joy-filled person you have a grateful heart. According to Bill Bright,“The joy of the Holy Spirit is experienced by giving thanks in all situations.”
Everyday brings a blend of blessings and challenges. If we are going to live each day to the fullest, we will need to find joy regardless of the challenges. Our attitude will be our sustainer when we feel the pressure or stress of a day closing in; we need to send Joy to the rescue. Joy involves the recognition of the abiding presence of God in us; we focus on our connection to Christ. If God is with us we can handle anything! So, call for the Joy of the Lord and begin looking at each day differently. If the invitation from God is to experience more of His love and presence when things get tough, then what have we to fear? Don’t bow down to negativity; lift up Joy instead!
“Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10