I’d like to share a few thoughts on Joy. But not a joy as world knows it but joy of God. I believe that Joy, same as love, is based on decision. It is much more then feeling. Happiness is a feeling, but joy is a choice. It is a knowledge; knowledge of Christ’ saving grace in our life. And it is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
“We need to remind ourselves everyday of what Christ has done for each one of us, then to acknowledge it and decide to believe it.”
This is joy to me. When I do this, the joy of God fills me and wants to explode often without any outwards signs. It is uncontainable, it is something divine which I cannot control or touch.
Often we like to repress joy for we don’t feel it. I don’t think that is a correct thinking. Jesus said:
"Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.” (Matt 5:11-12)
I don’t think anyone feel joyful when they are insulted, persecuted or falsely accused. Still Jesus says rejoice. St Paul writes: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4)
We can decide to rejoice, to have joy, but it involves turning from ourselves towards Christ’ truths. (For your reward in heaven is great; for you are beloved child of God; for Jesus has redeemed you and freed you, for He is always with you,.........) Sadly often we enjoy to be closed in ourselves. We enjoy being comforted by other peoples for it can make us feel happy. But that is just a feeling, it never lasts. We need to turn. This can be really difficult but that is where the Holy Spirit comes in. Joy is the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Let us ask Holy Spirit to fill us with this joy and He will help us to turn and keep our gaze on Christ and our hearts will be overflowing.
May God be blessed.
“We need to remind ourselves everyday of what Christ has done for each one of us, then to acknowledge it and decide to believe it.”
This is joy to me. When I do this, the joy of God fills me and wants to explode often without any outwards signs. It is uncontainable, it is something divine which I cannot control or touch.
Often we like to repress joy for we don’t feel it. I don’t think that is a correct thinking. Jesus said:
"Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.” (Matt 5:11-12)
I don’t think anyone feel joyful when they are insulted, persecuted or falsely accused. Still Jesus says rejoice. St Paul writes: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4)
We can decide to rejoice, to have joy, but it involves turning from ourselves towards Christ’ truths. (For your reward in heaven is great; for you are beloved child of God; for Jesus has redeemed you and freed you, for He is always with you,.........) Sadly often we enjoy to be closed in ourselves. We enjoy being comforted by other peoples for it can make us feel happy. But that is just a feeling, it never lasts. We need to turn. This can be really difficult but that is where the Holy Spirit comes in. Joy is the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Let us ask Holy Spirit to fill us with this joy and He will help us to turn and keep our gaze on Christ and our hearts will be overflowing.
May God be blessed.
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