JOY OF MY LIFE

Let’s begin with a question: “What brings me joy?” Have you ever pondered this question? It is difficult to answer this question if we do not fully understand the meaning of joy. Webster Dictionary defines joy as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” This is a wonderful definition when things are going good within our lives. Now when things are not going well do we have joy? When we look at joy through the lens of situations and circumstances, our joy (pleasures and happiness) will be controlled by outside influences. The joy the Apostle Paul speaks about in Galatians 5:22 comes from the Greek word chara (χαρά) which means “a lasting feeling of happiness and contentment that comes from trusting God.” As believers trusting God brings joy that transcends emotions attached to changing situations. Trusting God brings us to a place of knowing he is always with us regardless of the situation. This alone should be enough to bring us joy in the toughest of situations. The Apostle Paul said it this way in Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV): “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Start your morning with a short prayer: “God, show me how to trust you in the midst of every situation of my life whether easy or difficult, and help me to see you as the joy of my life. In Jesus name I pray Amen!” Journal any thoughts that come to you as you listen.

Read Galatians 5:22-26
Galatians 5:22-26 Lectio Divina:

Take a few moments to pray, honestly reflect, and journal on the following questions:

• When I face challenging situations do I trust God, or do I look elsewhere?
• How do I define joy? What brings me joy?
• Do I allow God to use me to bring joy in others’ lives?
• Is God the Joy of My Life?

Watch Video: 
Day 4  Where Is The Joy In My Life  

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