Want More Joy? Discover How!
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that YOUR joy may be full” John 15:11.
Is your joy wearing thin? In these chaotic days it will, if it’s based on having life go back to normal!
Last night my husband and I reluctantly decided that making a trip to visit family in another state next week was an added and unnecessary risk we shouldn’t take. We also canceled plans to visit with a doctor friend who cares for many hospitalized Covid 19 patients.
What plans have been disrupted in your life?
We all could probably list many disappointments—so what are you doing with your feelings?
Stewing? Swearing? (Hopefully not!) Complaining to God and anyone else who will listen? Exchanging gripes with others struggling with these constant disruptions to “life” as we expect it to be? Let’s be honest, that can be our automatic response—until God’s Spirit, through the Word, a song, a message, or a thought He plants in your mind, reminds you WHO YOU ARE!
In addition to knowing who you are—loved, forgiven, accepted, His ambassador—you are also:
- Empowered by His indwelling Spirit to respond to life differently than those who don’t have His power in them. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work with us, to him be glory in the church (that’s us!) and in Christ Jesus….” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
- Created for joy--it is a promised fruit or evidence or outcome of His Spirit at work in you. But, like any tree that is meant to bear fruit, it doesn’t flourish without some tending.
- A partner with God in experiencing joy. Your source of joy is God’s Spirit living within you. Looking to life being just as you want for your source of joy makes you an emotional victim of your circumstances.
Here are some simple ways you can partner with God to experience more joy:
- Raise your pleasure intake. Laughing, smiling, watching sweet doggie or cat videos on Facebook or YouTube lowers your stress hormones and raises good emotions. Think about what you enjoy doing. Are you creative? Go pick flowers, rearrange your living room, choose a new pillow, paint, or ….
- Stimulate your brain. Read. Learn something new—I’m using Zoom to coach and encourage two groups of women from around the country. It was a learning curve but I am flourishing by sharing in their lives and spiritual growth. Now I’m moving on to learn how to make short videos. What excites you? Don’t hold back – be willing to do what will bring you joy!
- Take care of your physical well-being. Be sure to walk if you can—take pleasure in the trees, flowers, birds songs, smile and greet neighbors. Eat wisely—ask God for help not to munch all day (someone said you should wear a mask at home to keep from eating constantly! True!).
These are just a few ideas – let me know what YOU do to experience more JOY. This can be a spiritual and emotional time of growth—don’t waste it and miss God’s special blessings for this time in your life!
One last thing: I wanted to share many of the books that have helped me grow in my faith over the years. You can read the list for yourself at: www.poppysmith.com/growthresources
Check out my video below inviting you to view this page. What do you think of my first attempt? 😊
Poppy