Pure Joy!

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Joy.  What does that mean to you?  Is your first thought happiness? Or does it go beyond that to you?  Is it based on circumstance, or is it a deep rooted foundation?  Is it a feeling, or is it a state of being? Is it something you think about often, or is it a fleeting consideration?

I think the topic of joy is a wonderful, but sometimes overwhelming topic of discussion.  To me, joy is so beyond just a situation or a feeling.  It is a deep rooted place where you have an understanding of your purpose and pursuit in your life.  It isn’t always evident on your face or in your actions, but it exudes in a peace of knowing that everything is going to be okay.  And even if it doesn’t seem or look okay for a little bit, for me, I know there is a reason for everything.  Whether that is to challenge me, grow me in a certain area, test my faith, or fill me up, I have a certainty in something bigger than just my happiness. Being happy is great, but that won’t last.  Happiness is an emotion.  It is a great one.  But it’s hard to feel happy when you feel like your world is crashing down.  But you can be filled with joy, even in times of sorrow or despair.  Joy is a belief in restoration, in other people, in yourself.  

Where does your joy come from?  What fills you up?  What gives you energy and leaves you feeling on top of the world?  

At the root of it, my joy is from the Lord.  But joy can be spurred on by other people, by encouraging words, by generosity, by love.  But it isn’t only receiving in which I feel joy.  I feel joy in giving of myself, in surrendering my life to my bigger purpose, in putting others before me, in unexpected kindness.  but that takes me realizing that I am filled so that I can overflow.  Joy is right there just waiting to be unwrapped so that it can bless so many others.  Too often people just want to be happy, but there is so much more.

There are times in our lives where we focus on the negative.  But there is always a glimpse of hope or light if you look hard enough.  Think about when one of your kids makes you so angry you don’t even know what to do with them… Then all the sudden they do something in that about to burst moment that makes you smile, laugh, or take a step back and stop your reaction.  They remind you that even in the midst of something crazy, you still love them.  They still bring you so much joy.  So while they may need to be disciplined, they may need to be put on time out, they may need an attitude adjustment, do it out of love.  Because they are a source of pure joy. So while the moment may not be happy, there is something more.

The greek word for joy is chara.  Chara actually means celebrate.  So don’t just live in a joyful state and recognize the feeling of joy… CELEBRATE IT!

• How can you fill your life with more joy?
• How can you bring joy to others?
• What in your life now do you need to recognize that brings you joy?