Recently I was doing a devotion series about joy while reading the book of Philippians. The focus was that Jesus is the source of our joy and the sustainer of it. Our lives our empty and meaningless apart from Him. In this life, Jesus wants us to have fullness of joy that overflows in our lives. It is so important to daily thank God for the blessings in our life, from the smallest moments that bring us joy to the bigger celebrations of life.
In the book of Philippians, we see genuine joy. Paul learns the secret of being content in plenty and in need. As I continue to study God's Word, abide in Him, seek Him, I feel the fullness of joy as I grow more dependent on God daily. Daily I need Him. Daily I long to seek Him with all my heart. Daily I desire to follow Him and walk in His ways.
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." ~ Philippians 1:9-11
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." ~Philippians 4:4
A recent survey that I came across found that the average person has 432 moments of pure joy a year, which works out to be about eight moments a week. I hope that each of us would have at least one moment of joy a day or more. Life is too short to not find joy, no matter what our circumstances.
A blog entry entitled, "40 Ways to Find Joy in Your Everyday Life," offers some ways to find joy:
-play with kids
-play like a kid
-learn something new
-get out in nature
-help someone, serve, volunteer
-count your blessings
-travel
-lose yourself in a good book
-laugh, smile, sing, listen to music, dance
-connect authentically
-exercise
There are many others, one of my favourites was watch a sunrise or sunset. I love watching the sky. My favourite pictures and paintings are those with lots of sky. I could just sit and stare into the sky for hours. The last one and most important one - SURRENDER TO GOD. Time spent in the Word, quiet time with God - surrendering to Him - in all areas of our life. What are some of the things that you reflect on daily that bring you joy?
Everyday blessings that bring me joy...
Watching Kirra ride Magnum
Lesson #1
Lesson #3
Watching Jaret play ball
Time in the mountains as a family
Celebrating 10 years at BCS
Achieving goals - completing another half marathon
Spring blossoms
Lovely apple blossoms from a student
Giggles heard as Terry has a water fight with the kids
There are so many life moments that bring me joy, some of which I capture in photos and many that I don't.
-a run along the river
-quiet time with God where I feel Him speaking to me
-a good night's sleep
-a hug from a student
-worship music that uplifts my soul
-recess supervision, especially when it includes bubbles with the Grade 1's
-sitting on the deck and watching the kids on the trampoline
-a good weight workout with friends
-connecting with a friend-a glass of wine on the weekend
Hope you take time to count your blessings and reflect on those things that bring you joy this weekend.
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