4:235 – Joy Is What You Make It

#faithbites #faithjourney Joy

Setting

Today, I got to introduce students to problem based learning and have their first session. This is a new group of students at our med school. It brought me so much joy to see them engaged, involved, and understanding what’s what. That was an awesome session. It is exhausting but it brought me joy. This afternoon, I helped a colleague define some of her professional development goals. Seeing her get it and get excited about possibilities brought me joy. Some would look at these activities as my work and not joyful but not me.

Marie Kondo tells you if something doesn’t spark joy or bring you joy to get rid of it. What if we flipped that on its head. Instead of seeing what brings us joy, how can we make things be joyful?

Today’s Questions: What activities do you do that may not seem joyful, but have joyful outcomeS? How can we change our mindset to look at everything as a chance to spark joy?

Scripture

• Philippians 4:4-5 – Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
• James 1:2-3 – Count it all joy, my brothers,when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
• Romans 15:3 – Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Zephaniah 3:17 – For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs

Reflection

Each of our scriptures has a different reason for us to find joy in what we do.

• Phillipians – we find love and joy in our Lord at all times. He is a living God and is always here. yes, even in things we don’t like.
• James – Tiems are going to be hard. Even in thought times, we know that God is testing our faith and helping with our endurance. We get stronger and better at finding joy
• Romans – Our God is an awesome God. He fills us with hope, opens our eyes, and gives us the power of the Holy Spirit. If that’s not something to be joyful about, then I don’t know.
• Zephaniah – Our God is with us, he takes delight when we are happy, and he sings over us.

What an amazing God we have. He pushes us to look beyond instant gratification which is often confused with Joy. He helps us find what is right so that we can build, grow, and do things that give him glorification. If we flip the script, we can make happiness and joy in all situations. We just need to focus on God first.

As we close, remember joy doesn’t necessarily come to you. You can make that Joy and share it with others.

Prayer

Father God, we ask you to help us find happiness in all we do. Even when times are rough, we pray that you help us see you and the light you bring. Lord, we know things can’t bring us joy, but you can. Let us search for joy in you. In your name, Amen.