Keeping the Joy

How is it that what used to bring us joy and pleasure can over time be taken for granted or even more strangely turn in to an annoyance that grates on our last nerve?

It is in God’s presence we find joy.  It is when we have a relationship with Christ and spend time with him we find Joy.  “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” Psalms 6:11. If this is true, why then do we not just walk around happy all of the time?  First, happiness and joy are not the same thing. Joy is much deeper and can even be present during the dark times in our lives. If joy is missing in your life, you must first ask where your treasure is.  “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19.

Let me give you a personal example.  Scott loves to do impersonations and different voices.  He really is good at it. When we were dating, this was a part of our time together that would make me smile and chuckle.  It was a side of Scott I treasured. However, just the other day I was working in the kitchen and trying to concentrate. Scott had been helping me, but he stepped into the living area to turn on the Thunder game.  As he was doing so, he started in with an impersonation of the announcer introducing the Thunder starters. I caught myself physically rolling my eyes and taking a deep breath. Why? I wasn’t appreciating the things in life that could bring me joy and was actually letting this same action get on my nerves.  My treasure was shifting and could shift into the danger zone if I didn’t stop it.

Checking where your treasure is can be as simple as a check of your body language.  How do you respond to those around you, those that you love the most? Does a smile come across your face when you hear the garage door open, when the phone rings and that familiar number scrolls across the screen, or when your spouse cracks that joke that you have heard hundreds of times?  If not, you need to change the language your body is speaking. That language will become a steady voice that you don’t want in your life.

It is also in your power to treasure your relationship for Christ.  He is always there investing in you. How much are you contributing the relationship?  It does take two. Again, check your body language. How do you react when you hear a scripture quoted?  How do you react when it is time for devotions? Do you roll your eyes as you would with a tired joke, do you plop down with your bible like you are being served canned spinach, or do you treasure the opportunity to draw closer to the author of those words?

God desires for our lives to be joyful.  Joy is a natural fruit that is produced as a person lives in the Spirit.  Check your body language and make sure you are feeding your soul what it needs to grow and produce  joy.

Author: Angela Grunewald

Just a mom/wife/educator who loves the Lord and wants to share my thoughts. View all posts by Angela Grunewald