Tidbits for Life with First Lady Darlene: Joy

Tidbits for Life with First Lady Darlene: Joy

When I think of joy, it brings good and happy feelings. I felt joy when my daughter was born. Joy can be described in many ways. I have heard people say “it will be a joyous occasion when my child gets married or at a baby christening or a 25th or 50th wedding celebration”. Joy in the bible can be unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8). The God of the Bible encourages joy!

There are things we do simply because of the joy it brings us, not out of discipline of obligation. I like to think of myself as a thoughtful person by doing things for people without them knowing it just to get the joy out of looking in their face or hearing the thankfulness in their voice. Joy drives change—not guilt or duty. Joy comes from being in God's presence and having the Holy Spirit. David's heart was glad—he had found the secret to joy. True joy is far deeper than happiness; we can feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles. Happiness is temporary it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting it is based on God's presence within us. As we contemplate his daily presence, we will find contentment. As we understand the future he has for us, we will experience joy. Don't base your life on circumstances, but on God. (Life Application Study Bible Devotion)

We can be joyful in spite of our circumstances. It seems strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to rejoice. But Paul's attitude teaches us an important lesson: our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him. Several times in this letter, Paul urged the Philippians to be joyful, probably because they needed to hear this (Philippians 4:10-20) It's easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or to take unimportant events too seriously. If you haven't been joyful lately, you may not be looking at life from the right perspective. Joy is a wonderful feeling but we can be robed of it. Don’t let anyone still your joy!

The ultimate joy knows that Christ is near.

I hope I’ve said something to help you a tad bit.