As a Christ-follower, we struggle to follow God’s commands. We are sinful people who tend to go our own direction at times. And yet, by the Holy Spirit’s power, we are able to prevail and produce “fruit” in our lives. The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience…and so on. We rightfully place much importance on Love, thanks to the teachings of Jesus and Paul. But what about #2 on the list? What about joy?
The Bible actually commands us to have joy. 1 Thess. 5:16 (NLT) says: “Always be joyful.” Wow! Really!?? Always be joyful? Joy does not come naturally to me. But according to this passage it doesn’t matter, since joy is a command of God.
But it’s Monday. I’m tired. I didn’t have any coffee. I just don’t want to be joyful. So how do I even start?
Even in the English language, the link between the words Joy, joyful and rejoicing is obvious. Joy starts with worship. If you want to be joyful, you have to remind yourself each day of the object of your joy, namely God himself. Worshiping God is a way of turning our inward perspective outward. It is a way of realizing the many good things we have in this life. It is a way of casting our cares on Him and forgetting our many stressors. Worship begins to break down our sadness, fears and doubts. In their place comes a deep-seated contentment centered around the person of Christ.
So how will you approach this Monday? Will it be rejoicing? Since joy is a decision, it will take some work, but it is possible! Choose this better way of living, and you will be amazed at the difference.
(Check my fiend Jess's blog who writes on the topic of joy.)
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