Where did Joy Go?

Joy is an easy thing to lose, but it’s also an easy thing to get back. The problem is a lot of times, we let it go and then don't try to find it again, because we don't think that we have anything to be joyful about.  What is robbing you of your joy?”

The Bible tells us many times, to search the truth and examine the scripture in our lives. This subject is no exception.  We should always remember as is said in  Lamentations 3:40  “Let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord” 

We all know the passage that states James 4:17, “It is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”  So, the first question should be what do you know you need to be doing but you’re not?  What has God told you to do but you haven’t started doing yet?  Many either forget, or do not see (or sometimes choose to see) that the secret to continual, abundant, and overflowing joy is obedience. Every time you do what God tells you to do, you will find joy in life because God will be there to take the place of what is robbing you of it.  When God is preeminent in your life, everything else is secondary. The peace you find in God makes it so that no one or no thing can rob you of the joy of knowing that even if the world around you crumbles, your relationship with God is the happiest thing of all. 

Joy can be found when you think about what’s good in your life instead of what is miserable. Psalm 126:3, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy”. The more you focus on what God has done for you, the more joy you’re going to have in your life. Why? Because it produces gratitude and gratitude is the healthiest of human emotion. It helps us to appreciate the important things.  There are hundreds of killjoys in life. Some of the most common are an unbalanced schedules, unbalanced perspectives, and unused talent. You have to have a balance between rest and work, input and output. That is why SPIRITUAL rest is just as important if not more so than physical rest. Remembering to be in God's house on the Lord's day rests and nourishes your spirit.  Find outlets where you can use your unique, God-given talents to remove frustrations and become productive. All of these have to be balanced, and that balance starts with "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," Mt.6:33 (God's words, not mine).

If you want to get your joy back, first you admit it’s gone, then you analyze the cause. Then, correct what’s wrong, and learn gratitude. What do you need to do to balance your life and schedule so that it does not steal your joy?  What has God told you to do but you haven’t started doing yet?  His joy awaits you,  and it is so close you can reach out for it today!

Jim