How to Have Contagious Joy This Christmas

12 / 14 / 2012 / 14 / 20

It’s been a hard year for so many of us. Our list of reasons to be unsettled and unhappy seem to linger week after week after week.

Isolation and loneliness are simply not what God intended for us and for some reason it feels even harder at Christmastime when we typically look forward to our calendars being full of plans with family and friends.

I took a good look in the mirror and decided I need an attitude adjustment. I run to God and ask Him to not only give me joy but to bring it to the surface and make it contagious for the benefit of everyone around me. I have a feeling I will be blessed as well!

So, I’m asking myself a question today and I thought you might need to ask yourself, too!

Name someone with whom you’d most like to spend an afternoon?

I’m not sure, but I’m guessing you are NOT thinking about grumpiest person you know!

Seriously, who wants to spend any significant time with a person who is cranky and miserable.

I’m not talking about a friend who is sad or grieving. I mean the one who is just plain ornery. (And let’s face it . . . there is plenty of ornery to go around at the moment.)

I don’t know about you but conversations with cranky and miserable people weigh me down and sap my energy.

If I get to choose, I want to spend my time with people who make me laugh . . . people who bubble over with joy and help me forget for a minute or two the things that are unpleasant and unsettling.

Because the truth is . . . attitudes are contagious.

They affect everyone around us.

Paul wrote:

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

It’s hard isn’t it?

When life feels hard, being joyful does not bubble forth naturally! And in all honesty, being thankful isn’t at the top of my list either. But if it is God’s will for us . . . then with His help and all-sufficient grace, it is more than possible.

How? Because He is able to work the impossible in us.

Joy is an attitude that comes from deep within a soul that is full of the love of the Lord.

Kay Warren wrote:

“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.”

Joy that is contagious comes from God’s Spirit living in us.

But it’s easy to squelch the Holy Spirit, isn’t it?

When we confuse temporary happiness with lasting contagious joy. When we hold back telling ourselves that…

“I’ll be happy when _________.”

We stifle the joy that the Lord freely wants to give us. And I don’t want to be a stifler for one moment longer . . . especially when I know that God’s will for me is to ALWAYS be joyful and thankful!

So, I’m asking…

Is your joy contagious?

I want to be the person with whom my friends want to spend an afternoon.

Pastor David Jeremiah said…

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

I want that! I want to bubble over with gratitude and joy! I want the people around me to experience the joy of Jesus when they spend time with me.

This has been a hard year! It's easy to grumble and complain. But people who live with contagious joy are more fun. Check this out to find your JOY! #Christmas #Joy #Faith #JoyandGratitude #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

So, I’m taking a look at the characteristics of contagious joy!

People who are filled with contagious joy are…

♥ Less Self-absorbed

Joy-filled people recognize their blessings. They don’t spend much time worrying about what makes them happy. They are so thankful for the blessings they have they want to bless others. They don’t worry about what “everyone” thinks, what “everyone” has, or what “everyone” does. They focus others . . . on JOY – Jesus – Others – You.

What can I offer the Lord for all He has done for 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 Gracious 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 then 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. People who are filled with contagious joy build up, elevate, and encourage those around them. And aren’t they the people with whom we love to spend time?

The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5:22–23a

♥ 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 will and embrace His plans and purposes for them.

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

People who are filled with contagious joy are also…

♥ More Hopeful

It’s hard to find an anxious worrier who bubbles over with joy. Joy-filled people worry less because their hope is in the One who controls the future. 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 and are thankful for God’s gracious forgiveness. They have been freed from the burden of guilt and shame and they celebrate their freedom by letting go of resentment and bitterness to forgive 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 4:31–32

♥ More Encouraging

Life is hard. There is an enemy of our souls constantly trying to defeat and discourage us. Joy-filled people understand the need for encouragement and they freely offer it to the people around them. They know it’s a blessing to give and receive a positive word, a little help, and an offering of prayer to build them up when they are confronting spiritual battles.

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 tend to look for the good in people and circumstances. They see good because they anticipate good. Not Pollyanna good but blessing good. They watch to see what God is doing knowing that it is 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 they’re grateful. They tell them and show them their appreciation. 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 have God’s all-sufficient grace to say . . . “it is well with my soul.”

Can you imagine how many people would want what we have if we lived each day with contagious joy?!

People would want us as friends. Bosses would want to hire us. Coworkers would want to know our secret. Family and friends would want to spend time with us. And so on and so forth…

It sounds pretty awesome, doesn’t it?

May all who search for You be filled with joy and gladness in You. May those who love Your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
Psalm 40:!6

May people want to KNOW the LORD because our JOY IS CONTAGIOUS!

Stop for a moment and ask yourself . . . how contagious is my joy?

God bless you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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7 of the Best Ways to Have Balance that Sparks Joy

5 / 17 / 181 / 22 / 22

Today is the 20th Friday of 2018 – I can’t believe how fast this year is passing…

I started thinking about my resolutions and goals … how this year was going to be different. How I would deliberately and consistently do my best to balance work, play, and rest.

I started the year wanting to do all I could to enjoy better overall (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) health.

And I believe God wants us to experience the balance that sparks joy because…

God put balance and order in a perfect creation.

The earth is exactly the right distance from the sun and has the perfect combination of gases for an atmosphere that supports life. Scientists have determined that any variation to the smallest degree of earth’s angle, distance to the sun, or combination of gases in the atmosphere and our planet would be uninhabitable.

The Garden of Eden provided a perfect balance for Adam and Eve . . . in their relationship with God and with each other. They knew exactly what to do and when to do it.

Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance!

But even after sin became part of this world…

Jesus demonstrated a balance that sparks joy.

Jesus spent much of His time serving and teaching others but He also spent time alone in prayer, took time to rest, and enjoyed celebrating with friends. And through Him, you and I have everything we need to follow His example.

Although living a balanced life is important, it’s not easy!

Slowing down, living our priorities, and setting boundaries are all hard but necessary if we want to experience the balance that sparks joy.

What do you think? Are you ready to try again?

There are still 48+ weeks left in 2021.

With God’s help, you and I can make a few small changes that will help us work toward a life of balance and joy.

But first – we need to admit we need God’s help.

“Admitting I can’t . . . opens the door of surrender to God’s can.”

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NLT)

If God wants us to enjoy a balanced life, and I believe He does … He will help us get there!

7 of the Best Ways to Have Balance that Sparks Joy

“Balance is not better time management, but better boundary management. Balance means making choices and enjoying those choices.” ~Betsy Jacobson

So choose to…

1. Make 15-20 minutes alone with the Lord an essential part of your day.

Ask God to guide you and help you find balance. Spend time in prayer and Bible study … then be still and simply breathe in the His goodness and grace.

You will show me the way of life. Being with You is to be full of joy. In Your right hand, there is happiness forever. Psalm 16:11

2. Take a self-assessment test to decide how where you need balance.

1=never. 10=always.

How often do you feel agitated or impatient?
How often do you get angry?
How often do you feel overwhelmed by your schedule?
How often do you feel you can’t finish your to-do list?
How often do your family and friends complain that you’re not available?
How often do you feel tired from lack of sleep?
How often do you exercise?
How often do you have time to relax?
How regularly do you eat a healthy diet?
How often are you too exhausted to _____________?
How often do you spend quiet time with God?

Based on where you landed on the 1 to 10 continuum admit it’s time to take an honest assessment of your life and start to make adjustments. Pick one area that needs the most help and start there.

“Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better.” ~Assorted Authors

Now…

3. Assess your calendar and your to-do list to see where you spend the most time.

Surrender your schedule to God and ask Him to help you.
Grab your schedule and 3 different color pens.
Assign the colors – Have To, Want To, Need To
Mark each appointment for the week with the desired category color.
Use a sample planner page and make an “ideal” schedule – begin with have to, add need to . . . think about any changes you might be able to make.
Make a list of things you’d add if you had time.

4. Purge your home and life of excess stuff.

Go through one room each week—closets, under beds, drawers, and piles in corners. Free your life of the stuff you no longer need or use. Keep only those things that are necessary and beautiful… Marie Kondo of the Kon Mari method of organizing calls them the things that “spark joy.” If it doesn’t give you joy … let it go!

You can ask the “spark joy” question with your calendar and “to-do” list also.

Maybe so, but I say it is better to be content with what little you have. Otherwise, you will always be struggling for more, and that is like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6

5. Set boundaries – it’s okay to say “no.”

Ask God for wisdom to know when to say “no” and to help you when it’s hard.

No explanations needed. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this right now.” is perfectly acceptable. Limiting the number of “extra” activities might be the first step in helping your family find balance.

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

6. Ask for help – you don’t have to do it all.

It’s okay! Really it is! Stop and consider where you might need help. (Chores, car-pools, errands, homework, organizing, etc.) Make a list of people who might be able to make your life easier. Swallow your pride, and ask.

Remember chores are good for your kids. It’s not “help” if it’s a life skill they need to learn.

“Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful.” Ric Ocasek

7. Schedule “no electronics” time.

This is hard for me. So, I understand if you think it will be impossible to get your family on board. But having “no screen” time will bless you. Enjoy a meal, read, talk, plan the weekend, or play a game.

I promise . . . your children won’t remember the television show they watched ten years from now, but they will remember the things you did together.

Today’s children are spending an average of seven hours a day on entertainment media, including televisions, computers, phones and other electronic devices . . . Children and teens should engage with entertainment media for no more than one or two hours per day, and that should be high-quality content. ~Source AAP

Finally – Laugh and have fun.

Schedule at least one fun activity each week. You won’t stick with this if you’re not having fun. Laugh at yourself. Give yourself grace — you didn’t get here overnight so you probably won’t undo it fast either.

But just think of the blessings of living a balanced life … better relationships, improved health, more joy, etc.

So I recommend having fun because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15

Prayer for God’s help to find a balance that sparks joy.

Father, I admit my life is out of balance and I need your help. I’m frustrated but I don’t know where to begin. My life is being pulled in a dozen different directions. Right now, help me stop and breathe in the presence of Your Holy Spirit, the One who guides me and helps me know when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” Help me to be still. Help me to trust You with my day. Increase my faith and help me live with balance. Bless me with Your wisdom. Fill me with Your peace. Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Fight Discouragement and Win

10 / 30 / 1710 / 28 / 17

I wonder if you’re feeling it too.

The enemy seems to be working overtime to discourage and disable the work of God’s children.

I shared with a small group of friends last week that I was feeling discouraged and sad and I didn’t know why. My life is good but I had the blahs.

Now, I know these girls and several of them are going through hard seasons.

So, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised that my confession was met with “me too(s)!”

When I read and pray through the list of prayers on the Blessing Counters Pray page, scroll my social media feeds, or watch the news…

It’s clear, God’s children are under attack.

Now what?

We could wring our hands, admit it’s awful, and go into hiding or we can fight back. I for one am ready to fight.

I’m tired of feeling discouraged. I’m definitely tired of all the negative banter and arguing. And I’m done being passive.

How to Fight Discouragement and Win

1. Admit that you’re in a battle.

I’m so thankful God included the Book of Job and David’s cries of desperation in the Bible. They weren’t afraid to admit despair or discouragement and they knew where to take it.

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Psalm 42:11

2. Get ready to fight.

Too often I try to fight alone. My head starts spinning with things to do to change my mood or my circumstances. AND … it’s too easy to end up in worse shape than I was before. But God gave us a plan to prepare for the battles He knows we will face.

Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13–17

3. Go to your war room and pray.

Some people find a closet, others just have a corner. Some use their cars and others sit in a comfortable chair or at the kitchen table. Wherever you go … PRAY! Praise God we don’t have to know what to pray. We just need to pray and trust the Holy Spirit for His help.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26

4. Tell the devil whose you are.

I need to remind myself every day that I don’t have to listen to Satan’s lies. I can turn off the news, limit my time on social media, and tell the enemy to back off by reminding him that — I am a child of the One who has already defeated him. He has no power in my life.

“Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

5. Thank and praise God.

There is something about replacing negative thoughts with thanks and praise that defeats discouragement every time. It’s true, it may not last long but it always lasts as long as I keep thanking a praising. Remembering all God has done for me in the past gives me courage and hope that I will get through this current moment, too.

Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise Him again—
    my Savior and my God!
Psalm 42:11

6. Celebrate!

The truth is when I remember it … God has given me (and you) everything needed to defeat discouragement. With His help, I can do better. I don’t want to just struggle through and survive – I want to THRIVE! And by God’s grace, I will!

For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen. Romans 11:36

The rest of the story…

Telling my friends about my feelings of discouragement was only part of the story.

You see…

Earlier that day, I was in my car running an errand when I finally admitted I felt down. Rather than wallowing in my mood, I decided I wanted to do better; so, I decided to fight.

I turned my car into my war room and started praying.

Father, I feel so discouraged and I don’t know why. I have no reason to feel sad. I am so blessed. I’m sorry. Please help me. I need You. By the power of Your Spirit, fill me with Your truth and defeat the enemy’s lies that are dragging me down.

Before I finished praying, Old Church Choir by Zach Williams started playing on the radio.

And I started thanking and praising God!

It’s becoming my current theme song.

I’m celebrating! Because with the Spirit’s help, “There ain’t nothin’ gonna steal my joy!”

And when discouragement tries to drag me down – who knows it could happen later today – I will:

Admit that I’m discouraged and in a battle.
Get ready to fight.
Go to my war room and pray.
Tell the enemy whose I am.
Thank and praise God.
Celebrate!

Are you ready to fight discouragement and with God’s help – WIN?

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I’m always looking for stories that will encourage and inspire readers to live in faith, stay faithful in hope, and find joy in loving Jesus and others. If you’re interested in sharing your story here at Counting My Blessings – check out my Contributor Guidelines page.

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5 of the Best Ways to Turn Your Bad Mood into Joy

3 / 27 / 173 / 27 / 17

Have you ever started the day in a pretty good mood . . . okay, maybe it took a couple of cups of coffee but then you were good to go.

I’d like to think I’m a positive person.

But…

Then there are those times when a thought or memory, a post on Facebook, or someone else’s bad attitude can dull my sparkle.

Then there are the times…

When I can’t name the specific catalyst, I decide a bunch of little annoyances have added up and left me feeling annoyed and dissatisfied.

Maybe you can relate.

I’m not talking about sadness because something bad happened or even remorse from living out a choice I wish I could undo.

This is just a plain and simple bad mood that interferes with my attitude, productivity, and relationships.

Okay, I’ve identified the problem – now what?

What do you do when you are in a bad mood?

Go shopping?
Eat a candy bar?
Snap at the closest victim?

Yeah, I’ve done those things, too but even though I might feel better momentarily they don’t help for very long.

So, to help going forward, I’ve made a list of things I know will improve my mood and restore joy to my day.

5 of the Best Ways to Turn Your Bad Mood into Joy

Turn to God

Keep God’s promises close. Write them on post-it-notes, in journals, on notecards, or keep them on your phone. Download a Bible App like YouVersion and keep a list of highlighted verses.

Stop and turn His promises into prayers.

You, Lord, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you. Isaiah 26:3

Father, I need your peace. I am depending on and trusting in You. Please fill me with you perfect peace and restore my joy. Amen.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Father, I am asking You to fill me with Your joy and peace. I put my trust in You. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, please help me. I know if I have You, I have everything I need . . . more than enough to live with joy. Thank you for Your grace and mercy. Thank you for loving me. Amen.

Eat Healthy

I am often tempted to grab a coffee and skip breakfast, but I always feel better when I start with something nutritious. I’m at my best when I eat five or six small meals throughout the day and drink plenty of water.

And as much as I would prefer to live on cookies and cupcakes I have finally given in to the fact that sugar is not my friend. Oh, I love it when I eat at the moment but hate how I feel later. It’s just not worth it.

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” ~Jim Rohn

Move Around

Change your view and change your mood.

When I sit and let my mind spin on life’s junk I’m guaranteed a bad mood. So, I’m practicing the fine art of getting up and getting active. It doesn’t take a full workout. Just a few moments of doing something else is usually enough to change my thoughts. One of my favorites is to dance around to a great worship song.

“Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states.”
~Carol Welch

Laugh

Many things that tank my mood are funny when I choose to look at them from a different perspective. Somebody else’s bad mood, a bad driver or traffic jam, computer glitches, things that break, hard memories and problems can only ruin my mood if I allow them to.

If I think I might laugh about it later, why not laugh about it now. Or call a friend who is great at making you laugh and lightening your mood. Change your thoughts . . . you’ll change your attitude.

Friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Philippians 4:8 (MSG)

Breathe

Take 10 -15 slow deep breaths. In through your nose and out through your mouth. Someone very dear to me calls it, “in with the butterflies and out with the bees.”

Even better . . . think about breathing out junk and breathing in the life-giving Spirit of God.

Breathe out the past and breathe in the future. Breathe out anxiety and breathe in peace. Breathe out discouragement and breathe in hope. Just breathe!

Quotes to Turn a Bad Mood to Joy

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius

But let those who follow you be happy and glad. They love you for saving them. May they always say, “Praise the Lord!” Psalm 40:16

“Act the way you WANT to feel.” – Gretchen Rubin

Your help made me so happy. Give me that joy again. Make my spirit strong and ready to obey you. Psalm 51:12 (ERV)

“Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” ~Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Jesus said, “I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.” John 15:11

“A Christian should be an Alleluia from head to foot” ~Augustine of Hippo

So – Stop and confess your bad attitude and ask God to give you a new one.

Yep! That’s what I’m doing and when I get over myself and ask for God’s help . . . He is faithful every time.

What’s your favorite way to turn your bad mood into joy?

My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. James 1:2-4

Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy. Philippians 4:4

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What if Troubles are Really Opportunities for Joy

2 / 24 / 175 / 1 / 20

The Bible says our troubles are opportunities for joy. Really?! Troubles don't usually make me joyful. But maybe there's another way to look at it.

We’ve got trouble.

If you watch the news, we’ve got overwhelming trouble.

Maybe you’ve got personal trouble.

Life can be hard.

But then there’s this…

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4

Seriously?!

“An opportunity for great joy.”

I don’t know about you, but my first reaction to trouble is not great joy. In fact, joy is not only not my first reaction . . . it probably won’t be my second or third reaction either.

My first reaction is usually the question, “Why?” Not, “Why me?” Just “Why?”

Why is there so much suffering?

The news is frightening. Wars. Crimes. Storms. Tragedy. Terrorism.

Personal stories hurt our heads and our hearts. Illness. Rejection. Pain. Loss.

How are you and I supposed to find joy in those circumstances?

We’re not.

I don’t believe we find joy in our troubles.

If you ask a group of people…

Did you ever experience a time as a child when you were upset or afraid until you were with a parent or another adult

You’ll hear stories of:

bad dreams.
fear of the dark.
fear of storms.
being sick or injured.
being rejected or abandoned.

But you’ll also hear how their fear faded in the presence of a parent or someone they trusted or was bigger and stronger. Someone who made them feel safe.

[Tweet “Our joy is not in the trouble, but in the fact that we don’t have to face the trouble alone.”]

God is with us.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

You and I can have joy because we never face our troubles alone. The God of the universe is with us.

I’ve absolutely hated some of the things our family has gone through, but God never failed us . . . giving us everything we needed to get through with a strength and courage that could only come from Him.

I am no longer afraid and my friends, that is a miracle. I trust God will never abandon me.

No fear and God’s faithful presence . . . those are reasons for joy.

It’s okay if we’re not particularly joy-filled when we look at our troubles.

But when we look at God through our troubles we realize:

God loves us even when life is hard.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22–23

God’s love gives power.

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:19

When you and I are weak, God gives us strength.

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, [with God] then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

God is with us, and will never forsake us.

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” 1 Chronicles 28:20

You and I can have joy when we have trouble because God loves us, He’s with us, and gives us His strength and power that say, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Yes, even face our troubles with joy.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Everything You Need to End the Year with Joy

12 / 26 / 1612 / 26 / 16

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas celebration yesterday.

The day may be over but my prayer is that your joy will continue into the new year.

So this is it, the last week of The Faith Project. Before we wrap up 2016, I want to close the December with a review of what I learned about JOY.

I don’t want joy to be just a word we throw around at Christmas.

Seriously, don’t you want to take the feeling of joy with you into January and beyond?

You can!

Remember the definitions we used this month…

“Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world… [Joy] is not an idea. It is not a conviction. It is not a persuasion or a decision. It is a feeling.” ~John Piper

“Joy is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence, and hope. It is something or someone that provides a source of happiness. It appears 88 times in the Old Testament in 22 books; 57 times in the New Testament in 18 books.” (Theopedia)

“Faith-filled joy = the happy state that results from knowing and serving God, joy is the fruit of a right relation with God, not something people can create by their own efforts.” (Holman Bible Dictionary)

In brief, joy is . . . a good feeling, a state of mind, contentment, confidence, and hope.

Based on these definitions, did you know..?

You and I cannot choose joy.

That’s the complete opposite of what I’ve heard most of my life. Go to Pinterest and search for “choose joy” and you’ll find a seemingly endless list of pics telling you to do just that.

So, I made up my mind I wanted to know more.

If you and I can’t choose joy, how do we get it?

Everything You Need to End the Year with Joy – A Month in Review

By focusing our hearts and minds on Jesus.

7 of the Best Ways to Know the Joy of Jesus

Through Jesus, God has done for us what we are unable to do for ourselves.

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1

By leaning into the power only Jesus can give us.

Why the Joy of Jesus is the Power You Need

Joy isn’t temporary and doesn’t depend on getting or keeping what we want. It fills us when all else fails and gives the confidence that in Jesus everything will be alright.

By remembering, if we have Jesus we have more than enough.

When You Have Jesus You Have More than Enough

“Jesus doesn’t just give you what you need; Jesus is what you need. Your heart was created by Him, for Him. You can fight and claw to gain the world, but without Jesus, you will never be completely satisfied.” ~Louie Giglio

By knowing what to do to find our joy in Jesus.

25 Wonderful Ways to Find Your Joy in Jesus

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

Aren’t you ready to stop shuffling along, with your eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you? Look up!

By knowing how to fill our joy tank when we’re depleted and drained.

5 of the Best Ways to Fill Your Joy Tank

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

We’re guilty. We work so hard to make everything perfect for our loves. So we add extra shopping, cooking, cleaning, entertaining, and school activities to already full work schedules. We need help! We need joy!

By knowing the pure joy of the Gospel message.

10 Verses and How to Know the Pure Joy of Jesus

I wanted to know the message of pure joy in a way that makes it easy to share.

We testify and proclaim to you that He is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then He was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. 1 John 1:2–4

By knowing how to love ourselves and our loved ones when life hurts.

How to Bless and Help a Joyless Friend

I experienced a joyless season because I believed I needed Jesus plus ________ to have joy.

And I learned, Jesus plus anything can never give lasting joy because anything that can be lost can take your joy with it when it goes.

By making sure our joy shows.

How to Know if Your Joy is Showing

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.

This post will give you 8 ways to test yourself to see if your joy shows.

What did I learn about joy?

You and I can’t choose joy.
Jesus is the source of joy.
Joy is a blessing of trusting Jesus.
Our joy blesses touches others.
Joy helps us love ourselves and others.

I’m done trying to “choose joy.” I’m through beating myself up on hard days.

With God’s help, I’m going into the year ahead with my heart and mind focused on Jesus knowing whatever is going on in my life . . . it is well with my soul and that is more than enough.

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How to Know if Your Joy is Showing

12 / 21 / 1612 / 21 / 16

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 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.

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

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 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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Bless Your Relationships with Joy, Junk, & Jesus

4 / 15 / 167 / 7 / 16

What gave you joy this week?
What’s the junk that’s making you anxious?
Where did you see Jesus?

I picked up my old Bible the other day. The one I used when our children were growing up.

I’ve always kept it in a cute fabric case so the cover still looks clean and undamaged. But the pages are a different story. They’re covered with notes and stickers. A few have scribbles from my little artists and many include finger smudges.

Sometimes I feel like that old Bible.

I can do a pretty good job of keeping my outside protected so it looks clean and undamaged. You know . . . my church face.

It’s hard to let people past our covers, isn’t it? We don’t want others to see the scribbles and smudges on the pages of our stories. We definitely don’t want them to see the big stuff. The stuff they just might criticize or judge.

Social media doesn’t help. That place where we have tons of friends and followers, but don’t really know each other. Where we show our pretty. Our clean and undamaged. And admit it . . . even the moms showing their moments of chaos are careful not to reveal too much.

You want people to like you. I get it. I’m guilty too.

I wonder if as followers of Jesus we can show the world a better way . . . connected, caring and loving. No, we don’t have to make social media a dumping ground for our ugliness but we each need a group of people with whom we can be real.

Don’t you really want people who will love you?

Who will rejoice with you and pray for you? People with whom you can share not just your joys but your junk?

It won’t be easy. After all, we’ve done it this way for a long time. But I have three questions to help you get started. Questions sure to start real conversations around the table, in the car, in small group circles, and even on-line.

Let’s Talk About Your Joy, Junk, and Jesus

1. Where did you experience joy this week? – Share something that made you happy. Something fun. Something that blessed you.

Be happy with those who are happy, and be sad with those who are sad. Romans 12:15

“When large numbers of people share their joy in common, the happiness of each is greater because each adds fuel to the other’s flame.” ~Augustine

2. What was your junk? How can I pray for you? – Where are you struggling? What are you worried about? What hurt your feelings? What is causing you pain?

Do not always be thinking about your own plans only. Be happy to know what other people are doing. Philippians 2:4

“It’s funny how, in this journey of life, even though we may begin at different times and places, our paths cross with others so that we may share our love, compassion, observations, and hope. This is a design of God that I appreciate and cherish.” ~Steve Maraboli

3. Where did you see Jesus? – Where did you experience His love, grace, and mercy? Where did you notice beauty? How did you experience His help?

Men cannot say they do not know about God. From the beginning of the world, men could see what God is like through the things He has made. This shows His power that lasts forever. It shows that He is God. Romans 1:20

That’s it!

Joy, Junk, and Jesus.

I belong to a small Facebook Group and we share our Joy, Junk, and Jesus every Thursday. We started a couple of months ago and it’s quickly become our favorite conversation of the week. It’s helped us get to know each other and become close friends.

Open the book of you, my friend. Let those around you see your inside.

Let them rejoice with you and pray for you.

Let them see Jesus in you and be Jesus to you.

One of the girls in our group encouraged me to set up a Joy, Junk, and Jesus page where we could share our stories. A place to celebrate and cry with each other. Most importantly, a place to really connect. If that sounds like something you might be interested in joining would you let me know by leaving a comment?

It would be a closed Facebook Group to keep our stories away from public scrutiny and make it a safe place to be Jesus to one another. Let me know. It’s something I’d be happy to do if there it’s something you’re interested in doing.

I want to thank the fantastic youth leaders at our church for teaching me about Joy, Junk, and Jesus.

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We’re so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

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@ Switchbacks – Finding God’s Path on Your Life’s Journey

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