SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1066

“Choose Joy”

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

We cannot always be happy – but we can always have joy. Happiness depends upon circumstances and our emotional response to them. Some situations make us happy, others make us sad.

Joy, on the other hand, stems from the abiding presence of Jesus in our heart.  It is one of the fruits of the Spirit evident in our life when we are born again by the Holy Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness… (Galatians 5:22)

We choose Joy when we choose to abide continually in the presence of Jesus. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

What does this joy of the Lord look like in our daily life circumstances? When trials and tribulation strike, those around us may despair and curse. The joy of the Lord gives us words of hope and encouragement to speak. This joy gives us patience during the season of difficulty as we remain in prayer.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

People ‘read’ your reaction and response to the same difficulties they are experiencing. They are drawn to the joy and presence of the Lord in you. The joy of the Lord strengthens you and helps you minister to those who need a touch from Jesus.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

Trials can be seen as an ‘Oh woe is me’ moment or we can see them as an opportunity for Jesus to minister to us and through us to others.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (James 1:2)

Each day is a gift from God and we have a choice to make as to how we approach it.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Begin by seeking His abiding presence and choose to abide in Him.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

No matter what life throws at you recognize that the day is holy and the joy of the Lord will strengthen you to overcome all difficulties.

… for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)