By Mark Maher
Find joy NOW, not sometime when, or after, or if this happens. CHOOSE IT today, practice it and then do it everyday. Sometimes life gives us tough situations but you can beat it by how you LIVE. Our soul will not die in the land of the living.
Yes, at times life can be heavy, but we can still find the joy. The joy of our life is deeply rooted in Christ. It’s firmly planted, dwelling deeply into the core. It will not be abandoned or left dormant. No, I say, fan the flames.
It’s not how others see you, it’s how you see you. Speak life into yourself. Be your biggest encourager. Know who you are in Christ, (2 Corinthians 5:21) and then let nothing or no thing (Philippians 4:6) take you off your purpose, and the joy will radiate from within.
“As you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:16-18)
Life is too precious to not find the joy within. You can be miserable if you choose, but what a sad way to walk through this one and only life. You’ll never get the time back. Nothing hurts more than regret. Ask yourself why you can’t find the joy in life? Who taught you that? The world? Well the “devil is a liar,” (Revelation 12:10) because “you’re a child of God,” (Psalm 139:13-14) and “the devil ONLY comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Christ came so that you would have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
If Joy is mine for the taking, I’m taking it, because this is my one and only life. I refuse to self sabotage what Christ has already given me. Christ doesn’t want me to live in regret. That’s why he told us to “fear not.” “Make the most of every opportunity – redeeming the time,” (Ephesians 5:16) rather than wasting our days on frivolous pursuits that leave no lasting imprint.
Joy must abound. I’m training my heart to make it my default. I pursue Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.” What did they say at the end there, put it in the practice, so I’ll rehearse positively with a “humble heart, and the devil will flee.” (James 4:7)
I am the gatekeeper of my heart and soul. I protect what goes in. Because what goes in comes out in the words I speak, the peace I receive, and the joy that makes me look at life through a lens of positivity, gratefulness, and expectation. I love life. I love everything about it. I wake up excited. I’m primarily excited because Christ is in this world and He’s with me every day. And I want to give Him my best every day until the day I die. This is where my joy is found, so it’s solidified in my core and no one can take it from me.
Let your JOY be in your journey—not in some distant goal. Learn to love the process. “JOY lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself.” Mahatma Gandhi
Gratitude leads to joy in the journey. It’s the vehicle to get us back to appreciating what we do have, reminding us that God is present wherever we are. Simply go through a checklist every day of all the things you do have; start with breath, health, opportunities, sight, love, eternal life, this cup of coffee, time, roof, water, heat, friends, etc.
The second vehicle to bring joy is to step out of self mode remembering that our ultimate goal is to strengthen and encourage others; “go strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32) God’s joy is often found in helping others. This is the way God has designed us. It may not make sense because we may feel empty, but the more you pour into others, the more the Spirit pours into you.
Life goes by so fast, so we must learn to appreciate everything. Find happiness in every little, mundane moment. Whatever our situation, the fact that we are here, right now, “for such a time as this” (Ruth 4:14) is our gift. Our salvation is a tremendous gift that we have been given. How can we not be abounding in appreciation, purpose, love, hope, and joy.
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my JOY may be in you and that your JOY may be complete.” (John 15:10-11)
Find joy in every little thing, but it always starts with remaining in Him. Just simply try to give Christ everything you have for one week and see what happens. Turn off all the distractions; TV and social media and just give Christ everything you’ve got. You’ll find peace. You’ll find joy. Ultimately you’ll find purpose. And through everything you do for Christ, love is interwoven through it all. Go chase those relationships.
The longer you entertain or dwell in what’s not for you, the more you postpone what is. Walk forward in love and joy, simply decide, 2025 will be the year when it all changed.
