Seek Joy in the Lord!
There are so many things in this world that fill me with so much joy! Coffee, shopping, watching movies, listening to music, animals and spending time with friends and family are some of my favorite things but these things also have something in common… they all can easily let me down and will disappointment me sometimes! Nevertheless, I am so thankful for these sweet things but the foundation of the constant joy in my life is Jesus living in my heart.
The only thing that I know confidently that will bring YOU fullness of joy is Jesus! Is what you’re doing to experience joy right now giving you a temporary fix for a moment or is it truly leaving you feeling satisfied? The joy of the Lord is not just experienced for a single moment but carried all throughout your life with the guidance of the Lord and His spirit. Following God will fill you with a pure joy that is eternal and will last forever! Open your heart, surrender control to the Lord and allow Him to do a greater work in you, your life, and the people around you.
Bearing good fruit!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
– Galatians 5:22
These 9 attributes are examples of good characteristics of the Spirit, and these are for everyone! Let these be a guide and reference to you on what you should portray in your life. We are created in the image of God and are called to walk in His ways, and these are characteristics of Him! You cannot earn these qualities because God has freely given it to you to embrace in your life by his endless mercy and grace. Is the joy that you’re experiencing right now genuine or fake? Seek God’s word and Spirit and you will find pure joy in Him that will flow throughout your life.
Take joy in the Lord & His promises!
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.”
– Psalm 23:4
Of course, bad, or unfortunate things will happen in this world and your life but let me remind you that God is greater and stronger than any problem you may face! His ways and thoughts are higher than ours and out of our comprehension. God doesn’t promise that bad things won’t happen in this world because there is still sin in the world, but rest in the promise that God has never left you and will not start now. I encourage you to slowly switch your mindset into a perspective of taking joy in the trials in your life and be thankful in all circumstances because God is always faithful to help you when you call on Him! God will never abandon you!
