We all want joy in our lives. Some people live in the pits, but it doesn’t seem anyone would really choose to live there. Some people may feel they don’t deserve to be joyful because of their past, or maybe present circumstances; however, God desires that Christ-followers have joy and that they share His joy with others.

Most people spend their lives in a frenzy of activities seeking to be happy, but what they really want is joy! Joy is different than happiness. Happiness is fleeting, circumstancial and situational, but joy is deep. It provides contentment in all circumstances. Paul understood this (Ph 4:12).

Some key elements to attaining joy include: 1) Focus on giving! By nature we are selfish, but seeking our selfish desires does not bring long-term satisfaction. Jesus taught that it is better to give than to receive. When we give to our relationships, our work, our community, our church, we find much more joy than in self-serving. 2) Focus on healing! We all get hurt, are wounded by people and crisis, suffer loss, etc. The key is to forgive, keep moving forward, and emerge from our painful experiences. If we allow bitterness, anger, and regret to take root in our hearts, it will kill our joy. 3) Focus on God’s power! Rather than dwelling on problems, meditate on God’s Word. Remember His promises. Find joy in His care. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” It’s a cheesy expression, but in reality we have a choice. We can cooperate with God’s Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in us to produce joy no matter the circumstance. God’s Word says, “We know that all things work together for good, for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Ro 8:28)

Scriptures – Galatians 5:22-23 (CEB); Romans 12:2 (Phillips); John 15:8 (CEB); Philippians 4:4 (NRSV); James 3:16 (NLT); Hebrews 12:15 (TLB); John 14:27 (NLT); Acts 20:35; Philippians 4:12 (NIV); Colossians 3:13 (TLB); Psalm 62:8 (GNT); Romans 8:28 (NRSV); Psalm 30:5 (NET) 

Verse – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Ga 5:22-23) Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity. (Ro 12:2) I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Ph 4:12)

Questions – Do you think of yourself as a joyful person? Would your friends and family agree? Whom do you know that is a joyful person? How does their joy affect the people around them? What brings you the most joy? What is a joy-killer for you? How do you recover? In what ways do you see God producing joy in you?

Prayer – Dear Lord, you have done so much for me, and I know that my thankfulness and joy should overflow into the lives of those around me. Forgive me when I get self-absorbed and allow my mind and heart to be swayed by life’s pain and trials. Allow your Holy Spirit to keep my mind focused on all you have done, on your blessings and your presence. Thank you for the joy that only you can give! In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.