By Guest Writer: Shireen EtoromaJOY.
I have often heard or read the word ‘joy’ and I have winced. I have felt guilty over the word joy because joy was something that has felt far away–just like some distant feeling that was always out of reach. Words like melancholy, sadness, anxious, irritated, and discontentment seemed right up my alley (hello Enneagram type 4). The latter adjectives felt more real and down-to-earth. I thought joy was ignoring your circumstances and feeling melancholy and down was being honest with yourself and how the world is.
This past December, the darkest time of the year (thanks to Daylight Savings Time), God reintroduced me to Himself and the joy that can only be found in Him. In my church’s Bible Study we are reading through Philippians. In Philippians 4, Paul tells us what we all need to hear right now:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
The first line always gets me. Rejoice in the Lord always. Always meaning: invariably, consistently, without fail. Reading it just doesn’t seem possible. Immediately my brain spews off objections of why I can’t rejoice always.
“I can’t.”
“This situation is unbearable”
“My heart is broken”
“The sun literally sets at 3 pm”
“Being moody and down is just a part of who I am”
I can’t rejoice in my own strength. Godly joy is something that can’t be conjured up by my own will. I need the help of the Holy Spirit. The word rejoice used in this chapter is a verb, an action term meaning that to “Rejoice in the LORD” there is action involved.
I think joy is a spiritual discipline. In the same chapter where Paul encourages us to rejoice always he says the phrase “put it into practice”. What are some things we can “put into practice” that will result in joy?
1. Surrender control.
I am learning to let go of circumstances, outcomes, opinions of others, and lies. Most importantly casting my cares at God’s feet and believing He’s in control. God’s not worried, so why should I be worried? Surrendering is not a one-time thing; we have to surrender daily and, some days, hourly. God cares for you, so you don’t have to be anxious about anything.
2. Give thanks.
Take time daily to acknowledge the goodness in your life. Today call or text a friend and share why you are grateful for them. Train your mind to be grateful.
Think your way to joy. Clinical psychologists and neurologists have found that what we think affects our mood (i.e. Cognitive Therapy). So, yes, God knows what he is talking about when He tells us to examine our thought life.
What are you thinking about?
What are you dwelling on?
What are you watching on Netflix?
Who are you following on Instagram?
What music are you listening to?
Are you kept up at night overthinking?
God calls us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy.
Simply put, Jesus is happy and joyful. By spending time with God and trusting him and believing in the hope of heaven, joy will be the fruit produced in our lives.
The joy God gives can’t be taken away. Whatever inevitable pain and suffering may come in this new year (Hey 2020) we can “rejoice in the Lord” because He is in control.
If you would like to hear more on joy, or are maybe struggling right now with the idea of joy I highly recommend listening to this podcast.
Shireen is a 3rd year nursing student. She likes taking naps, doing puzzles, playing the piano and trying new fitness classes. She believes some of the best things in life are: Hawaii, live concerts and dessert always dessert. One of her favourite people to spend time with is her hilarious baby niece.
All Photography by Alexa Tonn http://www.alexatonn.com/ @alexatonn
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