Got Joy?
What does joy mean to you? "Happiness is a feeling, joyfulness is a lifestyle" How true this statement really is. Happiness can come and go, maybe with a gift from a friend, or a death of a loved one. But to be joyful - you really have to work at it. It takes practice and determination. I pose this question, how can you be joyful in a situation where there is nothing to be thankful for, no good side, you've looked and you can't find anything; how can you be joyful?
The answer lies in this verse, "In Your presence there is fullness of joy" Psalms 16:11. We've got to get into the presence of God, worshiping Him, praising Him, loving Him, and in that we will find true joy.
Ever heard the saying "they will know we are Christians by our love"? Maybe a few thousand times. But more then love I believe the world will know we are Christians by our joy. Because if full joy is attained in God's presence, how many unbelievers do you think have experienced it? Ever met a so called christian who looks like they were whened on pickle juice and baptized in lemon juice and all they do is sit in church with their arms crossed with a look on their face that says "bless me if you can brother!?" Oh that they may have joy, but FULLNESS OF JOY?!!
But how many Christians have actually taken the time to get in God's presence and experience it? Taken the time to practice it in every aspect of their life? I find myself so guilty of that. All that potential is there, just waiting for me to take it - so what stops me? A few words come to mind like laziness and stupidity; I could name a few more.
I challenge you today to stop whatever you're doing, go somewhere quiet and just sit before God. Ask Him to fill you with HIS joy, and see what He does.
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