Worthy of Joy
The word Joy gets tossed around often in our society but what does it really mean?
One definition of JOY-is an assurance in God that no matter we are asked to faced in this life (life be lifing, can I get an Amen) we can have peace knowing that God will always be with us.
Happiness is nice to have to-but as we all know-happiness is fleeting (new car, house, outfit, shoes) but we don't stay in a state of happiness 24/7 (walking around smiling and laughing non-stop-lol)
But with Joy we can, Why? Because JOY comes from the Lord. It is impossible to have JOY without Jesus him and that is why many people in Hollywood and our world are often sad/lonely because they don’t have Jesus in their life as their source of JOY-pouring back into them. They are trying to produce an superficial JOY but today I am encouraging us that the Lord wants all of us to live in a state of JOY. You/I/We are Worthy of JOY! No matter our past, present or future God loves us-he is a good-good father, he doesn’t abandon his children he cares for them. Can I get an Amen!
If you would like more Joy in your life here are some practical/spiritual things to do:
1)Limit negativity in your life (news, negative people etc, negative music-it will drain your spirit, instead-upbeat worship music etc.)
2)Take care of your physical health. We often say are taking of our bodies because we may not be purposely putting harmful chemicals in them, but are we truly taking care of the temple: limiting stress if we can, going out in nature, putting boundaries in our lives, drinking water, getting a yearly physical etc. Nature-is so therapeutic
3) Connect with the sisterhood-the enemy likes to work in isolation, if during difficult times of your life-stay connected, there’s strength in numbers and your sisters can help bring you JOY even in the midst of challenging times-I’ve been there. *Have fun with the sisters-nature walks, coffee dates etc.
4) If you are finding yourself staying sad all the time or dealing with depression, please don’t hesitate to find a therapist or counselor-(preferably a Christian one but if not pray and ask to direct you where) to help you navigate through. We are mind-body-soul and sometimes it’s necessary to seek professional help don’t allow the enemy to make you feel guilty or that you shouldn’t need help because you’re a Christian-that’s a lie from the enemy. Your worth of JOY and being Whole in Jesus!
5) Most importantly stay connected to your Church and to your God/Word!
He truly is the source of our JOY, each morning before I check my text etc. I try to remember to turn on my Bible App-audio and let the Word of God saturate my Spirit before the day begins and at Night I try to turn on the Word of God to allow it to be the last thing that I hear before I go to sleep. Having that personal connection with God will help sustain you and bring you JOY in the midst of bleak times.
