Now for the topic of joy, being thankful and grateful for all things that we take for granted daily is one of the most important places to begin. And second, when we open our hearts to God to see this goodness from the one who provided those everyday blessings, then we have a secure place to lift that joy in praise to God and watch this joy fill or heal our very being.

Throughout my life, I’ve enjoyed the perspective of positivity and seeing the glass-half-full because it enhances our joy for life! I’m the type of person that could get on your nerves because I choose to want to see the best in people, in what to some people, could sound like making an excuse for them. I’ll say things like, “Well what if they meant this?” or…” we’re just trying to overcome that?” Can anyone else relate to this? Don’t get me wrong, discernment is important to see through to the truth of the matter and not be naive, but I also believe that God places this desire in many of us for a reason. Call it understanding, or a natural need to want to connect. I often found myself through life being an advocate for the one who wasn’t there to defend their case or couldn’t defend their case because they were overwhelmed with defeatism. Overall, I like to see people find their way back to an inner joy that’s not a temporary fix, but one that is eternal and comes from God. Joy won’t be constant in our lives but knowing where to find the source of our joy, makes all the difference.

Romans 15:13 NIV- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Negativity Kills Joy

My top two pet peeves throughout my entire life had always been; negativity and feeling chilly or cold. As far as not enjoying the cold, perhaps that’s why I’ve gravitated from Canada to Texas all these years. Regarding negativity, it always disrupted my nerves to see and hear someone obliterate an atmosphere of love, safety, and hope with tension, cynicism, and dissension. To me, it tears down all that Christ would want to build up, to remind his children of their greatness through Him, even with many flaws still. Because of the commonality of trials, pain, and the overwhelming weight of many of life’s issues, our joy can become smothered. 

I’ve understood that with myself, the enemy saw the child that I was from an early age and began to attempt to destroy my joy and replace it with fear and later on depression and pain. Although it temporarily worked, very quickly I would experience God bursting through, reminding me of his love for me and our relationship that mattered more than man’s. Yup, this wins every time! Who doesn’t want to side with the one who sees absolute value in you? The one who remains the remedy for you combating despair with hope. He desires that through his joy we may also have strength and peace.

John 14:27 ESV- Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 

Can We Choose Joy?

Well, what sounds better in this crazy world we live in; choosing joy or waiting for it? The problem with waiting on joy is that there lies a dependency on somebody or something else to give you that joy. You may be waiting a loooooooong time. Some people have waited more than half of their lives. And when someone knows that your joy is dependent on them and they aren’t kind, they may withhold it from you. You know the truth is that some people cannot stand when you radiate joy. It makes them uncomfortable because their gloom doesn’t match and now the contrast has become more apparent. So choosing joy is choosing better for yourself. It’s choosing to allow yourself to embrace goodness, hope, peace, and love toward Jesus, yourself, and others. People who lack joy are lacking these internal attributes, but their joy can be resurrected again internally through the power of God. Once we have identified that this joy is connected to our Lord, we will desire to spend time in his presence where there is not an emptiness but a fullness of this joy!

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

John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

I can think of several times when, while I was in emotions of despair with tears, I was able to lean into the lavishness of God’s hope and find the byproduct of joy in the form of comfort for the situation. Maybe you’ve felt it too, where you were minding your own business and the clouds would part and the sun would begin to gleam through a window, or you’d see an image of a cross or scripture on a sign, bump sticker, or license plate that reminds you he’s there. Perhaps you were led to an on-time scripture in the Bible or heard a very touching and Spirit-felt song or message. Maybe there was a beautiful sunset that displays the glory of the Lord in the heavens or a phone call from a friend or family member that reminds you that you are loved. God will show himself through your surroundings to cheer you up and bring you joy at special times. The question is, are you NOTICING it? Are you ACKNOWLEDGING it? And are you APPRECIATING the joy you were meant to receive?