The Secret to Joy

I printed this off months ago and I've had it pinned up on my tack board at work. Recently I took it down though because it bugged me, I couldn't wrap my brain around what it meant exactly. I understand that it could be referring to learning to find joy in every circumstance. The Bible tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials because it produces perseverance and makes us mature in Christ. I absolutely think we can choose to be thankful in all seasons and in all situations. There are hundreds of verses reminding us of reasons to be grateful and that's a lot of whys but how do we actually find joy?

 If you've been reading my blog, then you've seen I've had a few rough days lately and on one of them, my husband pointed out, in love no doubt, that "for someone who spends so much time with God, how are you not happier? Aren't you supposed to have more joy, not less?" Of course I immediately responded, "I have joy! I'm not mad, I'm frustrated...by everyone...all the time..."

Ugh! In my heart I knew he was right. Why wasn't I oozing with joy and happiness? Lately I had been spending so much time studying my Bible and praying, I was proud of myself but I think I had somehow "Martha-d" my faith. I had overdone my spiritual to-do list. I had studied as if I would be tested, not like I was in a relationship. I had focused more on my works than own my faith. I had forgotten that I don't have to do anything; Jesus meets me right where I am exactly how I am, in a million broken pieces. In fact, I think he prefers the mess that I am because that's when He can do His best work. But I had forgotten all of this, and I couldn't find joy. I just assumed joy was something that would just be there if I tried hard enough, something that I had to work for. I was wrong.

On my commute to work, I was worshipping as I usually do and in that routine moment I found it. It was in me all along. I find it when I give my life away. When I'm kind to a stranger, when I encourage my friends, when I hug my children, when I help my husband, when we laugh, when we tithe, when we give gifts, when we sing, when we do the things that we love, there is joy. I have the power to give it and bring it into every situation. This world doesn't offer joy just because we show up, its there when we choose to let Jesus in us overflow out into the world.

I doubted God where I was seeking Him the most, in me. It so happens, that's where joy happened to be hiding as well.

 

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11

 

"You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence." Acts 2:28

 

"A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!" Proverbs 15:23

 

"Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy." Proverbs 12:20