Do you need some joy? Sometimes joy is hard to find. This week I was reminded that the state of joy is a spiritual gift imparted from the Holy Spirit. In other words, I may not wake up happy and joyful., but God is the giver and the source.
As I scrolled through Facebook, Joni Eareckson Tada popped up on my phone screen. Thankfully she spoke on joy. And in the natural, Joni Eareckson Tada, has no reason to be joyful. She is a paraplegic, confined to a wheelchair after diving in shallow water 50 years ago. Her powerful ministry is a testament to overcoming daily difficulties through grace and Christ living within her. That includes joy.
She admits her daily emotional battle is difficult. But she relies on the faithfulness of Christ her savior to supply her needs. Even emotional needs.
Thankfully, Jesus has an endless supply of grace, peace and joy. All of which are fruits of the spirit.
As I listened to Joni Eareckson Tada that morning, I looked at my own intense spiritual battle of the day and some circumstances that were bothering me. She reminded me that I’m not alone, and Christ loved me. And certainly, if Joni Eareckson Tada can live in joy, so can I.
Finding Joy
Often all I need to do is ask the Lord for joy, and he faithfully fills my heart. But sometimes a spiritual battle is needed and prayer is on the agenda. Then other times I can start my day with praise, and I begin to rejoice in the Lord.
Psalm 18, one of my favorite Psalms begins with adoration : “I love You fervently and devotedly, O Lord, my Strength. The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower. I will call upon the Lord, Who is to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies” (Psalm 18:1-3 AMPC). And sometimes I begin my day with this verse.
How do you access the joy of the Lord? I’m wondering, because I know that if I struggle with this issue, then others often do as well.
My hope is that God will fill your heart with His love and joy.
Joy Scriptures for You
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV).
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 AMP).
“The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living” (Psalm 19:8 NLT).
Prayer for Joy
Father, sometimes we struggle with our emotions. Perhaps we are grieving and need extra help today. Or maybe our circumstances are difficult as we face new challenges. Whatever those needs are today, Father, please provide joy where there is none to be found. Amen
Disclaimer: If you are depressed seek help. Your primary care physician may be able to help during this difficult time. Antidepressants can help.
© 2024 Nanette M. Holloway—All Rights Reserved
Another strategy to find joy is a gratitude list: Get my Gratitude Journal
Great post ! When I need extra joy, I ask God for it. And I also stay away from anything that steals my joy – like the news. Inviting toxic poisons into our minds steals joy. So we need to be alert for that and instead – focused on the grace given by Jesus.
Those are great strategies. Thank you for those suggestions.