The Joy of the Lord

I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice and to do good in their lives and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labour—it is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13)

Have you ever noticed that the word 'enjoy' includes the word joy? To enjoy your marriage and kids, there has to be joy in your heart. Joy is vitally important. It's a fruit of the Spirit and flows from the presence of Almighty God.

Joy is so much more than happiness.

Happiness comes from good happenings, but joy goes much deeper. When you know that you are at peace with God because you have a relationship with Him through Christ Jesus, you can experience joy even in difficult times. Joy is an experience that connects us to that which is "Greater" than we are.

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]. (Proverbs 15:15 Amplified)

According to Proverbs 15:15, life is like a continual feast when you have joy in your heart! This doesn't mean that you will always live your life on cloud nine looking through rose-coloured glasses.

It means that while you confront problems, you have a deep sense of joy and gratitude, knowing that God is good and He is on your side. "If God is for me, who can be against me?" (Romans 8:31) will be your constant confession. As you go through difficult times, you hang on to your trust in Him.

Joy also has a physical impact on your body.

Proverbs 17:22 (AMP) says, "A happy heart is good medicine, and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." Choosing to live your life with joy and laughter helps you to heal and stay healthy!

Allow me to share some practical ways to have joy in your life:
1. Appreciate the small things
When you begin to appreciate the small things in life and thank God for them, you will see your Spirit flooded with joy.

2. Surround yourself with positive people
Joy is infectious, and so is negativity. Avoid negative people like the plague. Watch videos that will uplift you and not mess you up.

Today, find something to laugh about, appreciate or enjoy. Give your relationships and your body a good dose of laughter medicine! Life is God's gift to Man. what we do with life is our gift to God.

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength in Jesus' name.