Church services can bring joy. When the music is upbeat and we sing about our Savior, it's easy to experience joy. When the pastor's message is about the love of our Father, we can experience joy. If our children or grandchildren call or come for a visit, our hearts are filled with joy. When we receive good news about a job promotion or a health concern, it's easy for our hearts to be joyful.
But, can we be joyful even when our circumstances aren't good? Are our
hearts filled with joy only when things are going well?
When the daily work is done, the children are settled for the night and the house is quiet, perhaps you can relax and turn your thoughts away from the cares of the day; turn your heart toward the Lord who lives within you; thank Him for giving you life and just experience the joy that comes from knowing you are a child of the King.
Joy is not the result of outward circumstances. Joy is an inside job, a deeply rooted confidence that God is in control. Every trial or loss, every defeat or victory measured against this confidence can be counted as joy. “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13, NIV).
How joyful are you?
When the daily work is done, the children are settled for the night and the house is quiet, perhaps you can relax and turn your thoughts away from the cares of the day; turn your heart toward the Lord who lives within you; thank Him for giving you life and just experience the joy that comes from knowing you are a child of the King.
Joy is not the result of outward circumstances. Joy is an inside job, a deeply rooted confidence that God is in control. Every trial or loss, every defeat or victory measured against this confidence can be counted as joy. “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13, NIV).
How joyful are you?
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