Joy is an emotion we don't experience much, and that is a shame. We should be joyful every day because we have been rescued from sin by Jesus' sacrifice.
Joy is:
1. a deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment (online)
Paul says we are to "Rejoice in the LORD always." Then to emphasize his point he continues with, "I will say it again, rejoice!" Instead of focusing on this command we tend to focus on the negative. It takes an intense exercise of self-discipline to keep ourselves focused on joy. We should be thankful for all of our blessings and yet our thoughts tend to remain on negative things. We see negativity all around us but, as Christians, we are to experience these things in the light of eternity. We have an eternal future filled with joy, the joy of being in the presence of Jesus forever. We are to be a light to the world as an example of Jesus' love. What could be more positive?
Our joy in the face of all obstacles should be an example that causes the world to question us about our hope. Peter tells us to always be "ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you..." Joyful living gives us the opportunity to present a witness of the power of God in our lives.
Rejoice!
LORD, help me today to experience Your joy, to focus on Your joy, to wallow in Your joy. You made this day for me. Help me to rejoice and be glad in it.
Paul says we are to "Rejoice in the LORD always." Then to emphasize his point he continues with, "I will say it again, rejoice!" Instead of focusing on this command we tend to focus on the negative. It takes an intense exercise of self-discipline to keep ourselves focused on joy. We should be thankful for all of our blessings and yet our thoughts tend to remain on negative things. We see negativity all around us but, as Christians, we are to experience these things in the light of eternity. We have an eternal future filled with joy, the joy of being in the presence of Jesus forever. We are to be a light to the world as an example of Jesus' love. What could be more positive?
Our joy in the face of all obstacles should be an example that causes the world to question us about our hope. Peter tells us to always be "ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you..." Joyful living gives us the opportunity to present a witness of the power of God in our lives.
Rejoice!
LORD, help me today to experience Your joy, to focus on Your joy, to wallow in Your joy. You made this day for me. Help me to rejoice and be glad in it.
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