I see Joy as a lift in my spirit and mood that goes beyond the gloom, hopelessness and dustiness the world has to offer. Time in the presence of our Lord Jesus brings together the spiritual elements of what Joy is made of. For instance, if I am worshipping God, I have Joy. If I am stretched out on the floor and have been listening to The Word of God on audio and I'm praying and His presence is heavy upon me, I have joy.
That is a lifestyle that is the foundation for Joy.
If time in God's presence never occurs and I go about life doing what I want, eating whatever gratifies me, listening to and hanging around people who don't lift me, build me up…then I won't have Joy. If I view media (television, movies, internet content) that is disturbing - prison, drug addiction stories, dark tones, vengeance and other wicked genre, then my joy crinkles.
It's obvious that Joy is like a home. It has a foundation but it also has framework and architecture that makes it functional and useful. It is also subject to flee when the right atmosphere is not nourished.
Thus, Joy is a choice. It is a lifestyle decision that is not dependent on circumstances but is hugely impacted by the intake of what my spirit consumes.
I may be in a tough trial at work or home but I can still have Joy.
Love ones may have dismissed me but I will still have joy.
So called friends may not act in love towards me but my spirit can still leap for Joy.
The virus is spreading. I've got Joy.
My cousin was murdered. I have Joy.
If.
#JOYisMyChoice
Habakkuk 3:17, 18
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
By: Kimberly Atkins