Would you say you are more joyful this year than last? I think one of the signs of spiritual maturity is an increasing level of joy.
It’s not easy to be growing in joy. With each passing year you develop a few more aches and pains. Maybe a door closed on a dream. Maybe someone you loved passed away. Each year brings new challenges and those challenges can make you cynical or more joyful.
It’s ironic the same situation can produce 2 different results. I want to be like the people who choose to hop on the joy wagon despite all that life throws at them.
Cynical people seem to look at happy moments and say it won’t last. Joyful people believe the same thing and choose to soak up every minute for that exact reason. Life is fragile, you don’t know how long you’ll have your health or a loved one in your life so don’t waste precious time being pessimistic.
If we aren’t careful God’s goodness and grace can cause us to be negative. I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve even caught myself feeling this way. You can pray and work toward certain dreams for years and then start to complain when things finally start happening because of the extra work. You’ve worked towards a promotion, a larger customer base, a new location and then complain because the next level requires more from you.
God’s blessings will complicate your life. Why not choose to respond with gratitude and joy that God thinks you’re ready for more. Never forget when you are praying for more, more will be required from you…including more joy!
How can you tell if your joy is increasing?
I think you can tell by the words you use and the expressions on your face. People can’t see or hear our heart. But they can see joy on our face and hear joy in the words we use.
The joyful people I know say things like…I’m so excited…Isn’t this amazing…I’m so thankful for…I get to…
They also smile…a lot!
Who do you know that exudes joy? What words do they use? What does their body language communicate to you about joy?
I always want to spend more time with joyful people. One couple in our church always smiles and nods during my entire message. It doesn’t matter what I say…they are always smiling. I asked them if they wouldn’t mind sitting separately on Sunday and on opposite sides of the auditorium. That way I’m guaranteed to have a friendly face to look at on each side.
Interesting side note…I asked our staff this week who they thought were joyful people in our church and their name was one of the names mentioned. Joy is obvious to everyone!
Imagine someone asked for a list of the joyful people at your work or in your neighborhood. Would your name come up?
What would have to change in the words you use and in your body language for people to list your name?
Our words matter a great deal. I’ve never met a joyful person who was negative. For that matter, I’ve never met a successful person who was negative either.
Maybe you would say it’s just not my personality to be joyful. I’m not an extravert or I’m a realist. Your personality doesn’t have anything to do with joy. In fact, joy isn’t a result of your personality, it’s a result of the Holy Spirit living inside of you.
One of the fruits of following Jesus and having His spirit inside of us is joy.
How often? Always.
Paul repeats the need for joy. Paul is saying… “Just to be clear…in case you missed it…let me say it again…be joyful!”
The good news of who Jesus is and why he came should make us joyful.
Today I will choose to be happy. Why today? Because this day is all you have. If you wait until everything is perfect you’ll never experience joy.
What all this tells me is that if I want to follow Jesus joy isn’t an option. Churches take hard stands against all kinds of things, but why don’t they take a hard stand against negativity?
Can you imagine? “Sorry, you can’t volunteer any more you are clearly living in sin (Phil 2:14). We’ve only been hearing grumbling and complaining from you about every area of your life…your job, your spouse, your kids, your health. You need to sit out for a while. We’re afraid you are going to infect others with your attitude.”
What would our homes, churches, and work places be like if we had more joy?
Listen, I understand there is a time for weeping. But there is a big difference in sadness from a loss and having a critical, complaining, negative demeanor.
God is the most positive and joyful person in existence! He isn’t wanting you to be negative. There is someone who wants you to abstain from joy, in fact, I think this “person” is on a mission to steal, kill, and destroy any semblance of joy in your life. Don’t let him win!
Choose to get on the joy wagon today! I’ll give you some steps next week on how to increase your joy.
For now really give some thought to what would have to change in the words you use and your body language for people to list you as one of the most joyful people they know!
