We don’t always wake up with a smile on our face. Happiness doesn’t always land in our lap. Sometimes our pleasant greeting is a thin crust ready to crack at any time.
There are days when we have to find our joy, because it’s nowhere around. The black clouds feel as though they’ll consume us if we sit still too long. Where is our promise of true satisfaction in the rising sun and the hours we’re gifted with each day?
These verses give us a hint how it’s done.
Isaiah 55:12 tells us the way to get started:
“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”
Our first step in finding happiness is to do “the happy thing.” When we sing, soon everyone around us will begin to sing. Happiness breeds happiness, and before we’re aware of it, it will come back to us doubled and more.
James 5:13 encourages us to take the first step:
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.”
Living in joy isn’t a passive exercise. We have to participate, find what leads us down that path, and jump in and do it. Pray, sing praise, whatever it takes!
2 Timothy 3:16 gives us our source:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
The deeper we go into the Word, the more secure our connection is with the Giver of Joy, the Christ, and the Awesome God of All Creation! Finding our link to him helps him channel his joy unto us.
Ephesians 5:19 shows us we can do the same for others:
“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart…”
We will find our greatest joy in what we do for others. If we’re having a down day, find someone to encourage. Do a good deed. Say cheerful things on Facebook. Tweet a happy thought. Take a funny picture and post it on Instagram.
Christ is our joy. Once we step into his plan for our lives, he will fill us up, and our day will become everything we wish it to be.
The smile on our face will trigger the joy of Christ in our heart. Let’s crack a grin!
Copyright © 2016 MyChurchNotes.net
Originally Published 5-08-16 in Hope