Satan loves to help us be discontent, frustrated, angry. He loves to take away our joy.
Joy! 20 times joy is mentioned in Philippians (just 4 short chapters). Paul was in prison when he wrote this book. He is joyous. We are called to be full of joy, joyful! Jesus is our hope. God's got control. We aren't meant to worry. Think of children -- they never nold back when the are joyful. We should do the same.
You can change everyone's attitude with your own. We are called to share God's joy. Smile and make eye contact.
There is always something to complain about, but we always can be joyful because we always have hope.
"A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance," Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
Not talking about being fake or forced. Talking about walking in God's joy and hope. Feel the joy of the Lord. We should be different than people of the world. Keep on the sunny side. There will be problems in this world. We all have problems. There will be health issues, financial problems, unexpected bills and strife. There will be loss. This is a fallen world. We live in a fallen world. But we are called to respond differently to our problems. What should change is how you look at life.
"Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones." Proverbs 15:30
"9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:9-13
Love must be sincere. Be patient in affliction. God answers the prayer of his people. Share and show hospitality. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Share joy and happiness and laughter. We have self-fulfilling prophecy.
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
Live life to the full!! We are called live life to the full! Enjoy the life you have. Enjoy what God has given you. Color is a gift. Find joy in creation.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
We are called to overflow with hope and joy and peace!! Every single day -- How do we put ourselves into this state of mind?
1. Don't fill your mind with stuff from the world -- like news and advertising lies and such.
2. Fill your mind with God and scripture.
"The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad." Psalm 118:24
3. Fill yourself with the joy of God. Seek things that seek Christ. Seek Christ Jesus first.
"My tongue will proclaim your righteousness,
your praises all day long." Psalm 35:28
We get to start over every morning! Rejoice!
"4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or p praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:4-9