This is the Helpful Truth You Need to Ooze Joy

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Let’s talk about what you and I need to ooze joy…

Think about 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.

Who wants to spend time with a person who is cranky and miserable? I’m not talking about a friend who is sad or grieving, but the ones who tend to be disagreeable and unpleasant.

I know I prefer to spend my time with people who make me laugh, those who look ahead with hope and exude joy.

Friends – attitudes are contagious.

Our attitudes affect everyone around us.

As followers of Jesus, you and I are called to be the most obviously joyful people on the planet.

The Apostle Peter said it like this…

You love Him even though you have never seen Him. Though you do not see Him now, you trust Him, and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.

1 Peter 1:8

Knowing and loving Jesus gives us hope for the future. His Spirit with and within us helps us remember that even when our current circumstances are difficult, they are only temporary.

But you and I can squelch the Holy Spirit, can’t we? We chase after momentary happiness, even though it won’t give us lasting joy. So, like a drug that requires more and more, we pursue bigger and better for another happiness “high.”

At one time or another, most of us have said, “I’ll be happy when _________.” But “when” often remains just beyond our reach.

So, back to our initial question…

With whom would you most like to spend an afternoon?

Ask yourself…

Would my friends choose me? Do I ooze JOY?

A joyful attitude matters.

Can people see the joy of the Lord in you? In me?

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.”

Do you have bold humility? Do you ooze joy with a sense of humor grounded on a foundation of hope?

Here are some ways to KNOW if you OOZE JOY

Joy-filled people are:

♥ Blessing Counters

Joy-filled people recognize their blessings and don’t spend time chasing happiness. They are so thankful for the blessings received that they want to bless others.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!

Psalm 34:8

♥ Not Envious

They don’t compare their gifts, abilities, or blessings with anyone else’s. They choose to trust God’s sovereign wisdom as the Giver of every blessing. 

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 34:8 (NIV)

♥ Encouraging

This life can be hard. The enemy of souls tries to discourage us daily. Joy-filled people share encouragement through their positive words, offering to help in the middle of the battle.

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

♥ Less Critical and Judgmental

If you and I are “less” envious, then we’re likely to be less critical and judgmental as well. 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

♥ Hopeful

It’s hard to find a joyful grumbler. People who have hope for an eternal future in glory live with present joy because they trust in the One who is with them now and always.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him.

Romans 15:30

♥ Not 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 for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28

♥ Forgiving

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

Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!

Psalm 32:1

♥ Trust God

People who ooze joy look for and anticipate good. Not Pollyanna good, but blessing good. They trust God’s promises and love.

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

Psalm 37:5

Let’s pray…

A Prayer to Ooze Joy

Heavenly Father, You have given me so many reasons to live with JOY! You gave Your only Son, Jesus, to give me everything I need now and forever. He is my purpose today and my hope for the future. He is my greatest blessing, who gives me love to share. He is the Author and Perfecter of my faith. He is LIFE!

Please fill me with Your Spirit and give me everything I need to ooze joy in Jesus every day. Amen.

♥ People who look for JOY are HAPPIER!

And happier people are more fun to be around. Even when life is challenging, people whose hearts are filled with joy find reasons to laugh and praise God.

Because no matter what is going on in their lives, they can say, “It is well with my soul.”

Imagine the witnesses we could be if we lived each day oozing 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 awesome, doesn’t it?

But remember, joy-filled people are not Pollyannas. They are honest about life, seeing God’s blessings and living with hope for the future.

David Jeremiah said it like this…

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

So, do you ooze joy?

May God bless you and give you everything you need to live with joy.

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