James has some interesting things to say about joy. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
|
Moving to a new province was a lot harder for me than I expected and I tried not to let it show or bring me down. I was "making the best of it", however this was not helping and I was having a hard time finding peace and joy. There were moments when I felt that way but they were few and far between. My husband and I sat down for devotions one day and this was the Scripture God brought to us and I realized that I was lacking something. This was the cause of my lack if joy. I was lacking in several ways. I wasn't being honest about how I felt. I was trying to be something I wasn't and I needed more time with God. Once I dealt with these things I have been really enjoying my time here. It is amazing how we think we do the right thing for everyone else at our own expense when in reality we are causing hurt and pain to ourselves and everyone around us.
Joy seems so elusive to us because we are lacking something and do not feel complete. My definition of joy is the feeling of completeness that one only finds through having a close intimate relationship with God. This world is constantly trying to push God away, it is no wonder that joy is so elusive. Even for Christians, if we are missing a key element in our life then we will have difficulty finding joy, even if we are in close relationship to God. For me it was not being myself and trying to be something I wasn't. For others it could be guilt, shame, over something they did. Some may feel unloved or unwanted, or taken for granted. I could probably write an entire book on all of the thieves of joy in the world. The point is, try to find out what is stealing your joy and ask God what to do about it. He may just be able to help you feel complete again and bring back that elusive joy in your life.
Joy seems so elusive to us because we are lacking something and do not feel complete. My definition of joy is the feeling of completeness that one only finds through having a close intimate relationship with God. This world is constantly trying to push God away, it is no wonder that joy is so elusive. Even for Christians, if we are missing a key element in our life then we will have difficulty finding joy, even if we are in close relationship to God. For me it was not being myself and trying to be something I wasn't. For others it could be guilt, shame, over something they did. Some may feel unloved or unwanted, or taken for granted. I could probably write an entire book on all of the thieves of joy in the world. The point is, try to find out what is stealing your joy and ask God what to do about it. He may just be able to help you feel complete again and bring back that elusive joy in your life.