A Life Without Joy

The joy of the Lord is my strength!

There are so many things that are joy-killers.  But stifling the joy that we have as believers is putting our light under a basket.

Maybe I am wrong, but I just can't see Jesus without a sense of humor.  He is that friend that sticks closer than a brother.  I don't have any natural brothers but I have wonderful sisters and we share not only our sorrows and frustrations, but we share so much laughter!

Jesus ate and drank with sinners. To be sure their lives were changed after their encounters with Jesus, but can't you just hear some of the stories that might have been told around their tables!

Here's the thing we all have our share of sorrow, but He's turned our mourning into dancing! (Psalms 30:11)

Jesus said we needed to come to Him as little children. (Mark 10:19) Children giggle and laugh. He said that if we believed in Him out of our bellies would flow rivers of living water. Bubbling brooks? ...Just a thought.

The point is a life without joy is like a life without breath! Conversely sometimes we have to make a decision to be happy. Get your praise on! Nothing dispels darkness like praising God! Find some time to do something that you enjoy! Sing your heart out! Dance like nobody is watching! Be true to your own heart. And when your heart belongs to Jesus there is joy. It just might be buried under something.

Here are some passages that I am finding comfort in:

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
.

Psalms 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 30:11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,

Psalms 126:2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the LORD has done for them.”

Ecclesiastes 3:13  And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.