We were created for joy
“I've got the joy, joy, joy, joyDown in my heart (where?)Down in my heart (where?)Down in my heart…I've got the joy, joy, joy, joyDown in my heart (where?)Down in my heart to stay."But, do I?
Most days I feel like having it’s a struggle. I feel like things will be going great and then BAM something happens that changes the whole course of my day. Usually it’s the mood of others, whether it be my children, or my husband!
I saw something a few months ago and it really convicted me, it was in response to someone saying, “You made me angry.” The response was, “no, I’m not that powerful, I can’t access the inside of you and choose anger, you did that alone!” Because truth is, even God doesn’t choose our emotion. He gives us that power, so we need to find a way to maintain that power in our lives.
Something as simple as not having 5 minutes to myself after opening my eyes in the morning can set a negative tone for my entire day. I remember when I was a teenager my Mom would always say, “I’m not going to let you steal my joy”. I used to laugh whenever she said it, and now that I look back, I totally get it. I like that she spoke those words aloud. I think that her saying, “I’m not going to let you steal my joy” allowed her to block all the negativity so that it wouldn’t affect her mood and continue on to set a negative tone for the rest of her day.
I want to be joyful, don’t you? I want to be strong enough to not allow other peoples moods and emotions effect mine. I want to live a life of gratitude and thankfulness.
At church yesterday the message that our Pastor Danny Cox gave was on joy, and he gave us homework…he called it our “joy plan”
P - Play
When kids play, they begin to shape their worldview. Research has found that play creates joy and that it is vital for problem solving, creativity and relationships.
L - Listen
Give people your undivided attention and listen to their heart. When was the last time you did that with God?
A - Appreciate
It’s looking at someone and saying “I see something in you that is of God”
Give compliments. When we look in someones eyes and we tell them that we see something of eternal value in them, it can sustain people.
N - Nurture
Rest. You can’t have joy when you are exhausted. Divert Daily, Withdrawl Weekly, Abandon Annually
What are some of the things you are going to do in your own life to create more joy? I’d love to hear your thoughts and your areas of struggles too!
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”