How to Know if Your Joy is Showing

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Joy-filled people are different. They're the kind of people with whom we want to spend our time. So, it's time to ask . . . is your joy showing?

Who’s the person with whom you’d most like to spend an afternoon?

I’m not sure, but I’m guessing you didn’t choose the grumpiest person you know.

Seriously, who wants to spend time with someone who is cranky and miserable. I’m not talking about a friend who is sad or grieving but the one who is just plain ornery.

Nope!

If I get to choose, I want to spend my time with people who make me laugh . . . those who bubble over with joy.

Friends – your attitude is contagious.

It affects everyone around you.

And as followers of Jesus, you and I should be the most obviously joyful people on the planet.

Because your joy is an attitude that bubbles forth from deep within your soul.

Remember Kay Warren’s quote…

“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.” ~Kay Warren

Joy comes from God’s Spirit living in you.

You and I squelch the Holy Spirit, don’t we? We chase after happiness thinking joy isn’t enough. But the temporary rush happiness gives doesn’t satisfy us, so we “up the ante.” Like a drug that requires more and more we look for bigger and better to give us our happy “high.”

You know, I’ll be happy when _________.

But in the “when” we’re exhausted, disappointed, and maybe even a little cranky.

Back to my initial question…

Who’s the person with whom you’d most like to spend an afternoon?

Would your friends choose you?

Your attitude matters.

Is your joy showing?

Pastor Tim Keller said…

“If we are saved by grace alone, this salvation is a constant source of amazed delight. Nothing is mundane or matter-of-fact about our lives. It is a miracle we are Christians, and the Gospel, which creates bold humility, should give us a far deeper sense of humor and joy. We don’t take ourselves seriously, and we are full of hope for the world.”

Again . . . is your joy showing?

Let’s find out.

Joy-filled people are different. They're the kind of people with whom we want to spend our time. So, it's time to ask . . . is your joy showing?

How to Know if Your Joy is Showing

Joy-filled people are…

Less Self-absorbed

Joy-filled people recognize their blessings and don’t spend much time worrying about what makes them happy. They are so thankful for the blessings they’ve received they want to bless others. They don’t worry about what “everyone” thinks, what “everyone” has, or what “everyone” does.

What can I give the Lord for all the good things He has given to me? Psalm 116:12

Less Envious

Work with me here, I’m working with a “less” theme. The truth is joy-filled people aren’t envious at all. They don’t compare their gifts, abilities, or blessings to anyone else’s. They choose to trust God’s sovereign wisdom as the Giver of every blessing. 

Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:4

Less Critical and Judgmental

If you and I are “less” envious, than we’re likely to be less critical and judgmental as well. Because let’s face it, much of our criticism begins with comparisons. We want to feel better about ourselves so we look down on others. Joy-filled people build up, elevate, and encourage.

 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. Galatians 5:14–15

Less Controlling

Joy-filled people don’t have to control people or circumstances because they know, trust, and love the One who is in control and that’s enough. They have peace because they trust God’s plans and purposes.

And we know that God causes everything to work together[m] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
Joy-filled people are different. They're the kind of people with whom we want to spend our time. So, it's time to ask . . . is your joy showing?

Joy-filled people are also…

More Hopeful

It’s hard to find a joyful worrier. Joy-filled people have hope for the future because they trust in the One who is already there.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6

More Forgiving

Joy-filled people understand just how much God has forgiven them. They are free of the burden of guilt and shame and celebrate their freedom by forgiving others.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:21–32

More Encouraging

Life is hard. There is an enemy of our souls constantly trying to defeat us. Joy-filled people understand the need for encouragement. What a blessing to give a positive word or a little help in the middle of the battle.

God did not choose us to suffer His anger but to have salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. So encourage each other and give each other strength, just as you are doing now. 1 Thessalonians 5:9,11

More Optimistic

It’s true. Joy-filled people look for good. They see good and they anticipate good. Not Pollyanna good but blessing good. They watch to see what God is doing and that’s always good.

Depend on the Lord; trust Him, and He will take care of you. Psalm 37:5

More Thankful

Joy-filled people count their blessings and appreciate them. They don’t assume God or people know how they feel. They say “thank you” and live with gratitude. And they do it with enthusiasm!

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

Joy-filled people are HAPPIER!

And happier people are more fun to be around. Even when life is challenging . . . it’s possible for those who live with joy to find reasons to laugh and praise God.

Because no matter what is going on in their lives they are able to say . . . “it is well with my soul.”

Oh, what a witness we could be if we lived each day with joy.

People would want us for friends. Bosses would want to hire us. Coworkers would want to know our secret. Family and friends would want to spend time with us. Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it?

When our lives are filled with peace, faith, and joy, people will want to know what we have.” ~David Jeremiah

So, I’ll simply close by asking one more time . . . is your joy showing?

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3 Comments

  1. Deb, I always enjoy reading your posts. This phrase particularly hit me today, “But the temporary rush happiness gives doesn’t satisfy us, so we “up the ante.” Like a drug that requires more and more we look for bigger and better to give us our happy “high.” You are correct. Happiness is like a drug but it will never give permanent satisfaction. The joy that Jesus gives however, sets up residence in our hearts. Hallelujah! It is well with my soul.

  2. Thank you! What a wonderful message and reminder? joy does attract others and is a perfect testimony to our faith. I am still striving to have joy and let it shine so that I can be that joyful person! God bless you and your family during this holiday season!

  3. I believe my joy is showing, Deb, but this was such a fantastic check list for me to make sure my joy is front and center!
    Blessings!