3:198 – What Brings You Joy?

#faithbites #faithjourney joy

Setting

Let’s make an assumption that everyone wants to be happy. It may not apply to everybody, but I wanted to level set.

If we all want to be happy, what are those things that bring joy? Is it a special food item, time with a loved one, or something else? It is different for everyone and most people have multiple things that bring them joy. For me, it’s when someone finally gets what I’ve been teaching them. When the fog lifts from their eyes and the frustrated melts from their face, that is my happy place. 

How do you define your happy place or your place of joy? Do you know what it looks like when you get it? If we know what brings us joy, how do we focus more on joy and less on pain?

Scripture

• James 1:2-3 -Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
• Ecclesiastes 9:7 – Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.

Reflection

We won’t always have joy as life is painful. When we have faith, we have perseverance. Jesus gives us the strength to go from moments of joy to moments of joy through the pain and trials of life. 

When we look at Ecclesiastes, we see that being joyful, eating, drinking, and enjoying life is good as long as it is what God has approved. 

With all that being said, if we know what brings us joy, that is following God, why do we do things that don’t bring us happiness? For me, it’s getting into debates and battles where there is no way to win. I’m trying to do better on that. Holding grudges is another one that I struggle with. I try to just let it go, but sometimes it’s hard. I know it doesn’t give me joy, but yet,  I stick with it. 

I am going to try to focus on how I can help people see the light as that is my happy place. But I can’t force it, I can’t even begin the journey if they aren’t willing. I need to turn it over to God and let him through the Holy Spirit work through those I can’t touch.

Are you willing to focus on what brings you joy?

Challenge

Are you choosing to do things that bring you pain? Even if you think it’s good for you, is it? What if you focused on those things that God has approved, and bring you joy? How would your life be different? Focus for just one day on those things that bring joy and let those that bring you pain, just drift away. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we want to be happy and be joyful. You provide us lessons and ways to be happy but because of sin, we choose to act in painful ways. Help us to focus on those things, whatever they are, that bring us Joy through you. Let us know that it is ok to drop those activities that are painful and don’t help advance the kingdom. This isn’t easy, but we know you will be with us forever. Help us, protect us, and be with us as we seek joy. In your name, Amen.