Dave’s Monday Blast – December 26, 2022
I am sitting at my desk on the first day of winter writing this blog for the day after Christmas. I must have read Luke 2:10 – 11 a dozen times this month, focusing upon this simple phrase: …”I bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY, which shall be for ALL people…”. This is a powerful declaration. We all want more joy in our lives! Pastor Charles Swindoll writes: “Joy springs from viewing the day’s events from eternity’s perspective. With this INTENTIONAL focus, you’re sure to see today differently…with more joy and conviction that God is at work in your life.”
Based upon our passage from Luke 2 we KNOW that our loving heavenly Father intends for us to experience enduring joy. Swindoll shares the following ways to cultivate joy!
1. Rehearse with God the reasons you trust Him. Tell him which of His attributes is your favorite right now. (Genesis 22:14 – Jehovah Jireh – The Lord is my provider) is one of my favorites. Read the passages of Scripture back to Him and perhaps begin with Psalm 103.
2. Surround yourself with joyful people. Joy is contagious. Build relationships with friends whose lives exhibit their confidence in God. Pray for each other that your joy in Christ would increase.
3. Approach life’s challenges and trials redemptively. God doesn’t waste the difficult circumstances of your life, but uses them to develop His character in you. Review Romans 5 and James 1 for help in processing pressure productively.
4. Make praise and gratitude a habit. Has God met a need? Praise Him! Have your challenges given you greater opportunities to see Him work? Thank Him! Scripture declares that JOY flows from a grateful and responsive heart.
5. Fill your mind with music. Listen to, sing, and meditate on music that draws your heart nearer to God and His Word. Read Psalm 100.
6. Take the long view. Investors advise their clients not to worry about the daily ups and downs of the stock market…what matters is the long view. Does this life present incredible challenges today? Are your reserves at a low, or are you enjoying a content plateau? Regardless of today’s events, take the long view. REMEMBER that God remains in charge of your days and will faithfully develop His character in you.
That’s really good isn’t it! REMEMBER, joy springs from viewing the day’s events from eternity’s perspective. Trust that God controls your life’s details (Romans 8:28), that He hears your every request (Psalm 116:1), and that His joy will be your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
