Joy

by
DIEUNOVIC KANYINDA

Hello friends, welcome back to YOUBLNG, ‘cause you belong!

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬
“Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice!”

Today, we will talk about J-O-Y.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word joy? And what comes to your mind when you hear the word happiness?

To me happiness has been a state when everything goes right in my life, if not, then I wouldn’t be experiencing a state of happiness but rather sadness. And this is the world’s view of happiness. To be happy in our society means that our life is rolling on a smooth plate, and when harsh or difficult or even challenging situations or seasons arise, then happiness can not be achieved. So somehow, our happiness is tied to our life circumstances.

But what does God say about joy? “Rejoice always” not sometimes or when things are right, but always. That means through all seasons, good or bad, beautiful or ugly, rainy or dry-still rejoice. Which in all honesty it may not be easy to do on our own.

Now how do I rejoice or find joy when everything around me seems to be upside down or going the opposite way to my desires or plans? JESUS is the answer.

Find your strength in Jesus and discover your joy. (“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah‬ ‭8‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

God’s joy allows us to keep pushing even when we face the dark moments of our lives. I remember days when I’d sin against God, I mean let it be watching images I am not supposed to and get up with a bitter taste in my heart and sorrow deep in my heart, I’d feel sad and my days would be cloudy and it’d take me a while to discover from what I just did. Well, it was normal to go through such a state, I think. However, I wasn’t meant to remain in that state forever, God’s strength would pick me up (and still does whenever I am down) and carry me until I find my course again-and somehow I’d find joy and experience this feeling of contentment-I didn’t understand that, that was God’s joy giving strength to my soul and spirit. In me finding forgiveness in Him, my strength was renewed because of His joy in me. So God’s joy helps us get back on course even after a bitter experience. Today, I understand that all along it was His joy in me, the peace of finding forgiveness in His love and being washed in His blood, that renewed my strength and carried me through the season.

We live in a society that worships good times as if our lives are only supposed to be a movie where all good things happen to us and I mean the world’s definition of “good things”. In his letter, the apostle Paul writes to the Philippians, during this time Paul is in prison experiencing some challenging times, but he still finds a way to encourage the people, in his difficult time he says “my brothers and sisters rejoice”. In the opening paragraph of the book, my Bible says that Paul’s joy and confidence could only be explained by his deep faith in Jesus Christ. Oh how beautiful is that!

Despite his circumstances he chose joy and confidence not based on what was going on around him but rather on the One who holds the earth in His palms. Because he knew his source of joy-JESUS. Not based on life’s issues but rather on the One who gives life. Imagine a life so depended on God that whatever comes your way-you remain rooted in Christ Jesus. Don’t get me wrong I am not saying that we have to be numb to our emotions and circumstances around us. No, that would be insensitive and we’re humans built with emotions and feelings that God created and placed in us, so it is reasonable to experience them and not shy away from them. However, I don’t believe it is God’s design for us to be dictated by what’s around us rather to respond to our circumstances from Jesus’ perspective because He will give us the strength to go through life challenges. Remember we can’t do it by our own but with His Spirit. (“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬)

Take your feelings and emotions to God-just remember that life’s experiences have the ability to shape you - however, it can be positive or negative depending on your perspective and on whose side are you, as well as on whom is your faith rooted.

My joy is not dependent on how I feel right now but rather on the works of Jesus Christ in my life.

My encouragement to us is that we will have a different outlook on life, acknowledging our emotions and feelings but not allowing them to take over but rather take them to Him and receive His joy and confidence which is different from the world’s idea on happiness. Our joy is not bound to our circumstances but rather flows from the person of Jesus Christ and all that He has done for us.

Wishing you a blessed week.

You belong!

God Bless You Abundantly friends!