Joy helps us draw near to God through knowing His presence, giving stability in trials, gaining a new perspective, trusting His strength, and believing God in a deeper way.
The other day I felt discouraged. My mood matched the overcast skies. When I looked into the Word of God, I discovered more about choosing true joy; my attitude improved.
There is joy in the Lord’s presence.
God is Emmanuel, the God Who is With Us. Even if we feel alone or downcast, when we refocus our thoughts on the Lord, we can know God’s presence that goes beyond our circumstances. This is not a fleeting momentary happiness.
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11
Joy in the Lord gives stability and endurance in trials.
Our attitude during trials is important. When the struggle continues, we get weary, tired and discouraged. When I get like this, the Lord reminds me of an “in course attitude adjustment” that draws me back to Him. He lifts my spirit with the delight of knowing Him. With the Lord, character and inner endurance increase during the heat of trials. The joy of the Lord is a stabilizer in trials.
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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
Joy gives us a better perspective.
Scripture promises hope that outlasts the trial. We call to God; He hears us. We look to God while we wait in the trial. The darkness may seem great, but the Lord is greater. We can look ahead to a time when rejoicing comes in the morning, anticipating the good work of the Lord.
Lord my God, I called to you for help,and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:1-5
Joy in the Lord is a weapon for strength.
This weapon for strength helps us persevere when we think we can’t go further. By remembering the perspective that the battle is the Lord’s, we can know His joy and have the strength to persist.
The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
Faith—believing in God—brings joy.
Jubilation is not simply an emotion from within me, but comes from God, grounded in Him.
Faith dispels discouragement, opening the way for genuine gladness.
If you need an attitude adjustment, reflect on these scriptures and discover new strength.
Joanne Norton
Thank you and bless you!!