The Ultimate Guide to Joy
I believe the ultimate guide to joy is the Bible.
In a world where anything goes, confusion reigns, and division and hatred are spewed forth through the news and other media sources, we need peace, hope and joy more than ever. For now let’s focus on joy. To understand where joy comes from and how we can have it … the Bible is the place where I search for the answers.
Where Joy is not to be found:
Joy doesn’t come from the things of the world. It’s not man made. It will not be found in the things of the world. Yes, fleeting happiness may be found in the world, but not abiding joy. Abiding joy, contentment, security, and hope that exist and remain constant in spite of our daily circumstances cannot found without being in relationship with our Creator.
Where to find true Joy:
Joy comes from God. Psalm 16:11 tells us, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Joy comes from being in God’s presence. God is a being. He is real, alive, and present for us. We are invited to enter into His presence, and in this place of being with Him we find a fullness of joy not found anywhere else. Why? Because in His presence we come to truly know Him.
And to know Him is to love Him. To be amazed by who He is and what He does. To be overwhelmed by His unconditional, unmatched love for us even in our state of sinfulness and lack. He sees all of us and loves us still.
And He wants us to partner with Him in showing the glory of who He is to a lost and hurting world. What joy we find in this place of His love and purpose!
God shows us who He is by what He does. When in need --- and especially in need of rescue from his enemies---we see King David of the Old Testament cry out, again and again, to his God. And again and again King David sees God move on his behalf. Psalm 21:1 talks about David’s source of joy: "The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!” David’s joy comes from focusing on who God is and what He has done. Our joy will come from having this same focus.
Direct your focus to the Joy found in God’s presence.
My husband, Ray, often shares in his college ministry classes that “what you focus on will control you.” What you devote your attention to will inform your attitude. When your focus is controlled by the media and worldly values, you find despair, confusion, deceptions, … and lack of peace and joy. If, however, your attention is focused on God --- you find life, peace, joy and purpose. Instead of being bogged down in negativity, you’re able to operate in an attitude of contentment and positivity.
I want to be God-focused and controlled, versus world-focused and controlled. Where you focus your mental and heart time will impact your ability to receive and retain joy. Choose joy by choosing the One who is joy and gives joy. Choose to read the word of God, to seek God and His presence and to obey what He shows you. If you do this you will experience more of His joy flowing in you and through you to others who need His joy too.
Questions to ponder
Have you found that circumstantial happiness is fleeting?
What have you focused on that you find “controls” you?
Do you agree the Bible is the ultimate guide to joy? If yes or no, why or why not?