Choose Joy!

Joy! What is joy? Joy is something that is deep within and stays. As a Christian joy is a good feeling. It is something that will reflect when others see you, a contagious type of emotion. Its something that is hard to disappear. I love seeing the joy my child has when his daddy and I play and laugh with him, his personalitly is so contagious!

As a Christian joy is a fruit that God says we should produce in our daily life.

Galatians 5:22- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

So where can you find this joy? Joy is found in spending time in Gods presence. To have joy we must have God. I love what the book Radical Growth says: "Researchers found that the most joyful Christians have four specific characteristics: 1. A feeling of being forgiven, 2. Forgiving others, 3. A feeling of life purpose, 4. A strong sense of gratitude." She goes on to say that "joy is directly linked to accomplishment. When we accomplish what we set out to do, we experience deep satisfaction. When we live the life we were created to live, we will experience joy! If you lack joy, you usually lack purpose. But purpose looks different in the Kingdom of Heaven. It's not what we have, who we know, or who knows us, but rather it is an ability to see our life from heavens perspective and agree with that perspective." As a Christian we should be able to find joy in all situations because we should look at the situation from Gods perspective. Ask yourself; "How would God react?" or "What would Jesus do?" I always end up changing my thinking when I ask myself these questions. The great thing about being able to find joy in all situations is that the joy will shine and be contagious to others! When we aren't joyful we end up bringing others down and get called a "joy sucker."
When we see life through Gods perspective it is impossible not to have joy because joy is found in God!

I receive so much joy when I worship our amazing God. The lyrics that He gives artist to write speak to my heart and I can't help but to praise Him and rejoice (joy) for all that He has done in my life. I feel so loved when I cry out to Him. When we worship Him He comes down and wraps us tightly, its honestly the best feeling in the world! It is unexplainable. It gives me joy!

God gives us blessings everyday but sometimes the devil will work hard to hide them and try to steal your joy but don't let him!
John 15:16 MSG says "You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you." 
Ask God to show you the blessing that he gives you! Ask God to give you joy! He keeps his word; search and you will find!

So I challenge you to choose joy! Choose God!

Joy comes when we seek God.

If you find yourself lacking joy, spend time with God, invite the Holy Spirit to come and He will give you that joy you lack. Ask Him to show you what your purpose is. Change your perspective and see things through Gods eyes.

Seeking joy is a choice, I pray that is what you choose.

I love each of you and I can't wait to see that joy shining bright!

Starla Conroy

LOVE this joyful child!