How to Experience Joy and Happiness When Your Glass is Half Empty

Are you a glass half empty or half full person? When problems try to suck the good out of your life you can be filled to overflowing with peace and joy. #BibleStudy #PeaceandJoy #Jesus #Blessings

Are you a glass half full or glass half empty kind of person?

If you’re like me, it depends on the subject at hand. I love to laugh and I strive for optimism but the truth is, on my own staying positive can be challenging . . . especially when I watch the news.

I’ve been thinking about what it must have been like for the people in Thessalonica to hear Paul say that he knew they would face trouble.

Then, they received his letter adding:

While we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know.
1 Thessalonians 3:4

So, what can we do when we want to be happy but those inevitable troubles show up?

I did a quick internet search of books on “ways to be happy,” and found titles like:

9 Ways to be Happy and Make Something of Your Life
100 Ways to be Happy Now
Authentic Happiness
The Happiness Project
The Happiness Hypothesis

Most of us want to live trouble-free without problems or concerns. And maybe that’s why many turn to psychology books on happiness rather than searching Scripture to KNOW the truth about having lasting joy even when troubles come.

How is that even possible? How can you and I experience joy even when life is offering us a less than full glass?

Through relationships! Through our relationship with God and with other people.

Jesus promised to always be with us (Matthew 28:20) and to help us carry our burdens (Matthew 11:28). He gives us strength (Philippians 4:13) and courage (Matthew 14:27) when life is hard.

And He gives us other people. Paul added:

We have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence.
1 Thessalonians 3:7–9

So if you are struggling today, take it to God in prayer. Ask Him to fill your glass to overflowing with His presence, peace, strength, courage, and love. Then call a friend and pour a little laughter and love over them. I promise . . . you’ll not only experience joy, but you’ll also feel that spark of happiness firing up again too.

A Prayer for Joy that Leads to Happiness When the Glass is Half Empty

Father, I want an easy trouble-free life. I know even when I am blessed to enjoy a season when life is peaceful and calm, that “in this world, I will experience trouble.” (John 16:33) Thank you for sending Jesus to overcome the enemy and win the victory over sin, death, and any power he attempts to display. Thank you for Your Spirit who gives us the full armor we need to stand strong against the enemy’s attacks.

By Your grace, I have the gift of faith and truth. I am covered by Jesus’ righteousness and the truth of Your promises. I have Your Word to fight the enemy and Your peace for the battle.

Because of Your love, my glass overflows with forgiveness, peace, courage, and strength. You give me everything I need each day. Please forgive my weaknesses and selfishness and help me focus my heart, mind, soul, and strength on You.

I love You, Lord. I pray that Your Spirit will help me live each day full of love. Help me look for reasons to laugh and live with the fullness of joy that comes from Your hand. And help me share love and laughter with the people around me. When my glass appears half empty, please help me remember You are with me promising to give me everything I need to stand firm with great joy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

As you fill your glass with water today, pause when you get to the halfway mark and thank God for being with you when trouble challenges you. Then fill that glass to overflowing and praise Him . . . by the Lord’s grace, mercy, and love your life and mine overflow with all we need to live with the joy that leads to happiness.

On today’s note write:

Because of Jesus, my glass is not half empty . . . it overflows with His love.

May you be blessed today with the Lord overflowing peace, joy, and love.

Click here to read the rest of 1 Thessalonians 3.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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5 Ways to Live With Joy Each Day Even When You’re Suffering

9 / 15 / 219 / 15 / 21

Is it really possible to live with joy even when you're suffering? Here are 5 things you can do to help you let go of fear and frustration and live with joy. #Joy #Faith #BibleStudy #Blessings

I knew I was holding back a little bit of my heart. I’d read verses of suffering servants in the New Testament. I’d taken Jesus words to heart:

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.
John 16:33

Somehow I bought into the enemy’s lies that if I was a cautious Christian . . . I could keep suffering at a distance.

Wow, was I wrong!

In the midst of tears and wondering “Why God would” and “How God could” allow this suffering—He revealed the truth and helped me fully trust the last part of His words in John 16:

Take heart, because I have overcome the world.
John 16:33b

You and I are citizens of heaven living in a sinful world. All we have to do is look around to realize . . . suffering is a reality. Persecution and problems are going to be part of life whether we like it or not.

So, now what? Should we hide in our homes living in fear? Do we wring our hands with worry or shake our fists in frustration?

We can. But I can tell you . . . there is a better way.

After Paul wrote his greeting to the Thessalonians, he wrote:

We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true . . .So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you.
1 Thesslonians 1:4–5a, 6a

They lived with JOY “in spite of the suffering it brought” them.

So, how can you and I be “all-in” followers who fully trust Jesus and live with joy in the midst of trials and sorrows?

We can take Paul’s advice…

5 Ways to Have Joy When You’re Suffering

Praise God for understanding our fears, weaknesses, frustrations, and worries.
Trust the Holy Spirit to remind of God’s faithfulness to keep His promises.
Remember that Jesus has overcome the world and the He will be with you always.
Cling to Jesus’ promise to intercede for you.
Rely on the Lord to help you live in victory with joy every single day!

A Prayer to Live When Joy Even When Suffering

Father, King David wrote, “let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.” (Psalm 5:11) I want to focus on the truth that You are my refuge. I do love You and I pray to live in ways that show I love Your holy name. Please forgive me. I know I can be prone to fear, worry, and doubt.

Thank you for always being faithful in Your love. Thank you for always being true to Your promises. Thank you for the blessing of Your Holy Spirit who assures me that Your Word is the absolute truth. Thank you for giving me everything I need to be filled with joy even when I’m suffering. A joy that comes from the presence of Jesus and the assurance that I can trust You to give me everything I need for whatever I face.

Lord, please give me the strength I need each day. Fill me with joy. Bless me with everything I need to live in victory. By Your grace and with Your help, I will praise, trust, remember, cling to, and rely on You. You are the source of my joy. You give me a hope-filled future. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Amen.

Friend, I’m memorizing the following verse and I invite you to join me…

Then I will be full of joy because of what the Lord has done. I will be glad because he has saved me.
Psalm 35:9

The Lord has done great things. He is giving us everything we need to live with joy today. And He promises to be our reason for joy for the rest of eternity.

That’s Good News!

On today’s note write:

God will give me everything I need to live with joy even when I’m suffering.

May God bless you today with an abundance of joy!

Click here to read the rest of 1 Thessalonians 1.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How You Too Can Live Every Day with Joy that Lasts

9 / 3 / 218 / 7 / 21

Doesn't everyone want to live with joy that lasts? So much of life wants to steal that joy. What if there were someone who could make lasting joy possible? #BibleStudy #Faith #Livewithjoy #Blessings

Don’t you just love it when a friend calls or writes just to spread a little joy and gratitude over your life!

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is often called the “Joy Letter.”

It’s one of the reasons, Philippians is one of my favorite books in the Bible . . . joy is the theme of every single chapter.

So, you’d think Paul must have been living a life of ease and happiness, or what might be called “the good life,” when it was written.

But no! Not so much!

Paul wrote this letter while he was being held in a Roman prison.

The Holy Spirit, through Paul, wants us to KNOW an important truth.

Joy is NOT based on our circumstances.

Joy is not the same as happiness.

Happiness is based on our circumstances: health, wealth, possessions, control, perfect relationships, etc. Imagine blissful images on social media. The problem is that those things can change in a moment and disappear in the blink of an eye.

But joy that lasts…

Joy is deep and strong. Joy is rooted in our relationship with Jesus. It is based on the “quiet, confident assurance of God’s love at work in our lives.” (LAB Notes) Joy lasts!

Paul wrote:

I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.
Philippian 1:18b–19

How can he be so confident?

Well, earlier in the letter, he wrote:

I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6

God is faithful to help us grow in His grace. He never gives up on us. We are securely anchored in our relationship with the Lord and through His Spirit, we have everything we need to live with joy that lasts even when our circumstances aren’t the perfect pictures we want them to be.

A Prayer to Live with Joy that Lasts

Father, thank you so much for wanting me to have joy. Thank you for Jesus, the One who makes joy possible.

Please forgive me. It is so easy for me to get so focused on my circumstances and distracted by things that unsettle and upset me. I can let a moment of unhappiness rob me of my joy when I take my eyes off You.

I come to You and ask You to give me a heart that desires to SEEK You above everything else in my life. Please help me know the true joy that lasts. Help me remember there is joy when I take refuge in You. (Psalm 2:12) May I rest in Your love and find joy in Your presence. (Psalm 16:11) May I faithfully celebrate with joy the victory You have won for me. (Psalm 21:1) May I rejoice in the gift of forgiveness. (Psalm 32:1) May I daily find joy in obeying Your will. (Psalm 40:8)

You are so good and gracious to me. Your mercy surrounds me. Your love overwhelms me. You are my reason for joy . . . for joy that lasts. I thank and praise You. And I look forward to thanking and praising You today, tomorrow, and forever and always. Amen.

Our joy is based on the empty tomb . . . on the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus.

By God’s grace, it is possible for us to be so connected to Jesus that we can experience contentment and peace no matter what happens in our lives. We can be confident that He will give us the strength we need whatever our circumstances.

And knowing that is why Luke 12:31 is one of my life verses:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

Seeking the Lord above all else gives me everything I need to live through whatever happens in my life . . . and that truth gives me joy that lasts.

And when you and I live with joy . . . we give Him glory.

I love this quote:

“We should be so joyful from God’s grace that others would respond by saying ‘I wish I had your God.’” – Francis Chan

So, on today’s note write:

Because of Jesus, I can experience a joy that lasts forever and ever and always.

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

Click here to read the rest of Philippians 1.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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3 Awesome Reasons for Joy Found in Jesus’ Love

3 / 25 / 213 / 3 / 21

Jesus' love is made clear in three stories He told - stories of God's willingness to search for, wait for, and forgive anyone because He loves them. #BibleStudy #Parables #JesusLove #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

Jesus went out of His way to show people that He loved them.

And because as He said…

The Father and I are one.
John 10:30

Jesus made the point that He was showing them God’s love for them.

A love that is proclaimed in the stories Jesus shared in Luke 15.

The Lost Sheep
The Lost Coin
The Prodigal Son

Jesus made it clear that God seeks out sinners and when they are found . . . He and all the hosts of heaven . . . REJOICE!

I love the messages of these parables.

The parable of the lost sheep tells us that the Lord seeks out those who are lost because of their own foolishness.

The parable of the lost coin explains that He seeks out those who are lost because of the carelessness of others.

And the parable of the prodigal son helps us know that He waits with open arms for those who are lost because of their own rebellion.

3 Reasons for Joy Found in Jesus’ Love

God is always pursuing those who are lost.

He has given each of us the freedom to trust Him or reject Him but He never does the rejecting. He is always doing whatever He can to find those who are lost.

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?

Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it?
Luke 15:4, 8

God is watching and waiting for those who have rejected Him to return home to Him.

We believe that going our own way is freedom but the truth is freedom is found in Christ Jesus alone. The truth is the joy we want is found in returning to the Father through Jesus’ love.

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
Luke 15:30

And then…

God throws a joyful party whenever one of His children comes home to Him.

But those who are self-righteous are in danger of missing out on the joy of celebrating God’s gift of forgiveness . . . both in the giving and in the receiving.

In Jesus’ story, the father left the party to seek out and plead with prideful older son to join the celebration because the Father seeks out both the unrighteous and the self-righteous. He wants everyone to experience His mercy, grace, and love.

The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him…
Luke 15:28

A Prayer to Experience Joy in Jesus

Lord, Your grace overwhelms me. You have given us the ability to make our own choices fully knowing that sometimes we will lose our way because of foolishness, carelessness, and rebellion. But even then, I see how You have worked in my life to guide me back to You.

When one of Your children returns from a time of rebellion, You are there watching and waiting with open arms, a forgiving heart, and the gift of freedom and joy.

Father, I am sorry for failing to faithfully follow Your will. I humbly come to You, and I thank You for seeking me, finding me, and forgiving me.

I ASK that by Your grace, You will give me the desire to SEEK You above all else and that You will help me forgive as I have been forgiven.

Thank you for giving me the gift of JOY. And all I have is because You have blessed me through Jesus’ love. I thank You and praise You. Amen.

Warren Wiersbe wrote:

Sin promises freedom, but it only brings slavery (John 8:34); it promises success, but brings failures; it promises life, but “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23)

The truth is . . . all we need forever and eternally is found in Jesus’ love.

On today’s note write:

Jesus’ love gives me JOY!

May God bless you today with the joy that is found in Jesus!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Day 33 -God, I Want Jesus to be My Joy

12 / 24 / 1812 / 24 / 18

“Joy is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope. Joy isn’t just a smile or a laugh. Joy is something that is deep within and doesn’t leave quickly. Joy is given by God and something that He wants us to have…” ~ Theopedia

We talk a lot about JOY at this time of the year. Joy to the World. Christmas Joy!

And yet, in a few short hours Christmas will be behind us and we’ll go back to the realities of life that try to stifle our joy.

But true joy is grounded in so much more than the celebration itself.

True JOY is found in the person of Jesus.

So, I’m praying…

God, I Want Jesus to be My Joy

Father, Christmas is about celebrating Jesus, the Word made flesh … thank you!

And yet, too often when the festivities are over … I take my focus off Jesus and the stresses of life challenge my contentment, confidence, and hope.

Please forgive me.

I want Jesus to be my JOY … not just at Christmas but every day, every moment of my life.

Please help me.

You show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11

What an amazing promise, Father.

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
Psalm 30:11–12

You have forgiven me and carried me through pain and brokenness. You’ve shown me Your healing grace. You have given me faith in Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

And although I have only see Him through the Words of Scriptures and in the hearts of Your people, I love Him. Through Your Spirit, I believe in Him. And in Him, I have a joy that cannot be explained. (based on 1 Peter 1:8)

Please help me. I want Jesus to be my Joy!

Show me the way of life, grant me the joy of your presence and help me focus on the pleasures of living blessed by and in Your presence forever. (based on Psalm 16:11)

And with Your help as I focus on all the blessings I have in and through Jesus…

I can be joyful because of the hope I have in Him. I can be patient when trouble comes, and I can enjoy coming to You in prayer with every need great or small. (based on Romans 12:12)

Father, by Your grace and with Your help … may I be full of the Joy only You can give.

So, that I can boldly proclaim.

I am full of joy! The Joy of Jesus!

Yes, Jesus is my JOY!

Amen.

I am so blessed that you are joining me for this journey…

You’ll want to subscribe to Counting My Blessings (if you haven’t already), to receive a link to 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers in your inbox each morning.

It’s true! This is the busiest time of the year but I promise this will only be a 2-minute a day commitment…

One that will ask and seek and knock through bold prayers … and watch what only God can do when we go to Him with anything is possible mountain moving prayers.

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Day 3 – God, Thank You for the Awesome Gift of Forgiveness

11 / 24 / 18

You and I messed up!

Yesterday we took our failures and broken promises to God in Jesus name asking Him to forgive us yet again!

And He did! He does!

So today’s prayer is one of humble gratitude…

God, Thank You for the Awesome Gift of Forgiveness

Father, It wasn’t what I expected. It wasn’t what I deserved as I entered Your holy courtroom with my head hanging in shame. I expected justice and fairness but justice requires punishment and fairness demands retribution.

I knew I was guilty. I had no defense.

All I could say was, “I am so sorry. Jesus, I need You. Please help me! Please forgive me!”

And Jesus stood with me. He became my defense and instead of justice and fairness, You pronounced me innocent … You declared me not guilty.

I am forgiven!

Although, I may still suffer the consequences of my failures in my flesh…

Your Word says:

If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

Father, Your justice is full of grace and mercy because Jesus took my guilt and suffered my punishment, I am cleansed. Before You, I am CLEAN!

And although my heart’s desire is to obey Your commands and follow Your will, I fail. Day after day I must humbly enter your courtroom and say, “Father, I’m sorry! Please forgive me for Jesus’ sake.”

And You respond with the gift of forgiveness…

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Psalm 86:5

And when You forgive, sins are unconditionally gone…

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12

Through Your grace and mercy, I am pronounced not guilty…

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. What joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin. Romans 4:7–8

Thank you! Words somehow fall far short of the overwhelming joy and gratitude I feel.

Father, please fill me with Your Spirit and help me…

♥ Live out loud the gratitude I feel.

♥ Honor and obey Your will for my life.

♥ Let go of the past.

♥ Trust You with my future.

♥ Live with joy for Your glory today.

♥Surrender my self completely to Your perfect love.

Father, Paul wrote to Titus:

When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:3

Father, Your grace and mercy cover every part of my life. You not only forgive my sins but through your Holy Spirit, You give me a new life … everything I need to live with gratitude and joy. All I need to worship You by living each day of my life for Your glory.

Thank you for Your Awesome Gift of Forgiveness!

Amen!

I am so blessed that you are joining me for this journey…

You’ll want to subscribe to Counting My Blessings (if you haven’t already), to receive a link to 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers in your inbox each morning.

It’s true! This is the busiest time of the year but I promise this will only be a 2-minute a day commitment…

One that will ask and seek and knock through bold prayers … and watch what only God can do when we go to Him with anything is possible mountain moving prayers.

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Remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and tell us about the mountains God is moving in your life.

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Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

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5 of the Best Ways to Fill Your Joy Tank

12 / 12 / 167 / 29 / 20

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

A little less than two weeks until Christmas but in many households joy-filled wonderful is not filling the air.

I’ve heard from a number of people who feel there is not enough time, money, or energy to see them through to the end of the year. They’re exhausted physically and emotionally . . . and stressful anxiety is causing their joy tanks to run dangerously low.

How’s your joy tank?

If you’re feeling joy depleted . . . like you’re going to be running on empty days before Christmas arrives. This post is for you!

First, and this is important…

You absolutely must fill up your joy tank!

You can’t keep pouring into others without getting a refill. It’s just NOT possible.

Oh moms, we’re guilty. We want to make everything perfect for our loves. So we add extra shopping, cooking, cleaning, entertaining, and school activities to already full work schedules.

Every group has a Christmas party and every kid wants to have a friend over. You’re exhausted and every day it seems like your list grows as you check things off one by one.

How can you and I fill our joy tanks when we don’t have any room in our long lists of to-dos?

5 of the Best Ways to Fill Your Joy Tank

1. Say ‘no’ to joy stealers.

Friend, you don’t have to do it all. The truth is you can’t do it all. Your family will survive if you don’t make grandma’s sugar cookie recipe this year. Your friends will understand if they don’t get a card. Plan an Epiphany party instead of a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party.

Shop the sales and give your children a couple of Epiphany gifts.

You might be surprised that your family and friends are more excited about adding joy to the second week of January than they are with one more thing in December.

And…

Before you say “yes’ to something ask yourself, “Will this add to or deplete my joy.” A simple question that can help you make those tough last-minute decisions.

“…there are often many things we feel we should do that, in fact, we don’t really have to do. Getting to the point where we can tell the difference is a major milestone in the simplification process.” ~Elaine St. James

2. Do something you love and fill your joy tank.

The best thing about joy fillers is they don’t have to take a lot of time. Play your favorite Christmas song. Better yet, sing it really loud all by yourself. Grab a tiny candy cane for a sweet pick-me-up. Carry joy-filled verses with you to read while you stand in line or wait for an appointment.

Verses like…

The Lord Himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. Galatians 4:4–5

And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. 1 John 5:11–12

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7–8

If you have a little longer than two minutes, take a bubble bath, cuddle up with your family, drive through your neighborhood and look at Christmas lights, etc.

Don’t think of joy filling as selfish, think of it as emotional and spiritual therapy.

3. Ask God to fill your joy tank.

Jesus said we should ask, seek, and knock. Your Father wants you to have His joy. Ask Him.

Pray with me…

Father, thank you for Your countless blessings. You fill my life with life and love. Take my hand, Lord. Guide me in Your ways. Help me follow what You know will give me joy. You know me better than I know myself. Father, help me trust and faithfully follow wherever you lead.

My heart’s desire is to celebrate the joy of Your gift of salvation . . . Jesus. May I, by Your grace, keep my focus on Jesus, the source and perfecter of my faith. May He be my joy every moment of my life. I ask this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

4. Look for small ways God is already offering you joy.

Open your eyes. Stretch. Feel your body work. Savor that first sip of coffee and first bite of breakfast.

Stop. Look into the eyes of those you love.

Walk around your home. Celebrate heat and hot water, electricity and plumbing.

Go outside. Look at the sky. Enjoy the beauty around you.

Celebrate His blessings.

In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people. Colossians 3:23

5. Thank God for the gift of joy.

What a blessing to love and serve a Father, who wants us to experience joy. He not only wants you to have it, He wants to give it to you. Joy is a blessing given through the Holy Spirit.

Remember – the God who made you wants you to be joyful.

Do you need a joy tank fill up?

Ask God. Then thank Him . . . He wants you to have more joy than you could ever hope for or imagine. That’s why He gave you Jesus.

Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God.

With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:19–20

To close today, I have a question for you…

What’s your favorite joy tank filler?

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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25 Wonderful Ways to Find Your Joy in Jesus

12 / 9 / 167 / 29 / 20

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

You and I can choose where we focus our thoughts and attention but we can’t choose joy.

Joy is a gift!

A gift found in God’s presence. So, the more time you and I spend in the Lord’s presence the more joyful we’ll become. How cool is that!

You will teach me how to live a holy life. Being with you will fill me with joy; at your right hand I will find pleasure forever. Psalm 16:11

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

It’s such a simple equation, I wonder why I fail at it so often.

Focusing on junk equals dissatisfaction and sadness. Focusing on Jesus and the blessings He gives equals joy.

Jesus makes it possible for us to have joy even when life when there is junk all around us.

I like the way the Message puts it…

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from His perspective. Colossians 3:1–2

I’m making a list of ways to “act like it.” Ways I can pursue the things over which Christ presides.

Seriously, aren’t you ready to stop shuffling along, with your eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you?

The NIV puts it this way . . . “set your hearts on things above.” Maybe you’ve even memorized it that way. However you remember, let’s make it a goal for the days and weeks ahead to habitually turn our thoughts toward “Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”

25 Wonderful Ways to Find Joy in Jesus

1. Focus on Jesus.

I have placed the Lord always in front of me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be moved. And so my heart is glad. My soul is full of joy. My body also will rest without fear. Psalm 16:8–9

2. Make a list of your blessings.

Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows. James 1:17

3. Take a break from the chaos.

“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” ~St. Augustine

4. See everyone as someone who is precious to God.

As God opens His heart to be known by us and as He builds His heart into us, His love will flow through us to those who are in desperate need of His forgiveness, His compassion, His healing, and His life.” ~Bill Mils

5. Be kind, caring, and compassionate.

You must be kind to each other. Think of the other person. Forgive other people just as God forgave you because of Christ’s death on the cross. Ephesians 4:32

6. Give yourself a daily dose of encouragement.

“God made you unique and wonderful with purposes in mind for your life. No matter where you go, you cannot get away from God who made you, loves you, and will help you be what you should be.” ~Unknown

7. Smile more – at others and in the mirror

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” ~William Arthur Ward

8. Take regular breaks from the news and social media.

“It’s the simplest properties that will help you clear yourself of negativity … The profound power of a simple prayer. The strength of a deep breath. The gentle guidance of good music.” – Jeffrey Wands

9. Sing, dance and spin around. Do something fun.

Let them praise His name with dancing. Let them sing praises to Him with timbrels and a harp. Psalm 149:3

10. Make random acts of kindness a habit.

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.” – Henry James

11. Be a student – never stop learning.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ~Dr. Seuss

12. Invest generously in your relationships.

“One day spent with someone you love can change everything.” ~Mitch Albom

13. Savor each moment. Don’t wish your life away.

Once you stop rushing through life, you will be amazed how much more life you have time for. ~Author Unknown

14. Keep moving – it increases those happy endorphins.

“An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” ~Henry David Thoreau

15. Accomplish a goal – even a small one.

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” ~Edward Everett Hale

16. Forgive and let go of resentment.

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13

17. Look for reasons to laugh.

“Laughter is the most beautiful and beneficial therapy God ever granted humanity.” ~Chuck Swindoll

18. Do your best even if it’s not perfect.

“When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.” ~Helen Keller

19. Enjoy simple pleasures like a fireside picnic or a walk in the park.

“A nice warm shower, a cup of tea, and a caring ear may be all you need to warm your heart.” ~Charles F. Glassman

20. Ask questions – listen to understand.

He whose ear listens to careful words spoken will live among the wise. Proverbs 15:13

21. Set limits. It’s okay to say “no.”

“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage pleasantly, smilingly, and non-apologetically – to say “no” to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger yes burning inside.” – Stephen Covey

22. Express love with words and actions.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5

23. Learn God’s promises.

“God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Him.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

24. Pray.

Never stop praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

25. Surrender to God’s will.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

I want lasting joy. Joy found in Jesus.

So I’m focusing my heart and mind on Him as I prepare to celebrate His birth and I’m praying He will help me turn this into a habit that will last for the rest of forever.

I will find joy in Jesus and…

By God’s grace, I will live with joy and I’m praying you will, too.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if Jesus’ followers became known for being the most joyful people on the planet?

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!