Keep The Joy!

            Oftentimes it is little children who come up with profound thoughts that few adults would dare express.  Here is one such example.  The lawyer made it a habit to put his little girl to bed at night by reading her a Bible story.  This particular night he read to her the story of Job.  As she learned about the man who lost his wife, cattle, and children and whose body was racked with boils and whose friends forsook him, she was finally compelled to ask, “Daddy, why didn’t Job sue God?”  Humans can curse God, blame God, abandon God, and yes, even try to sue God, but the smart ones cling to God in time of trouble and refuse to forsake him. 
            Jesus had a biological brother (from the same mother but different fathers) by the name of James and he wrote a very profound book entitled “James.”  In the first chapter of his book he says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers (several) temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”  The key to being happy is to keep a positive attitude in the bad times knowing that the trying of our faith produces patience. 
            We must not sink into a sad or angry frame of mind which would only make us heavy laden and discouraged.  But we must strive to keep our spirit up by “counting it all joy.”  We must be assured that something positive is coming.  When gold is put into the fire it is purified and so must we.  Instead of letting temptation draw us into sin we must be made pure.  “But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). 
            By keeping a good attitude in the midst of trouble we set ourselves up to make the best of it.  Therapy and philosophy may instruct us to be calm under pressure, but God’s Word teaches us to be joyful, because this will produce patience, love, growth instead of anger.  I especially like what Paul said: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
            We know that something great is in the making when we are being tried, because no promotion comes without a test first.  No one says that life is easy but keeping a good attitude sure does help.  No one can get a handle on you when you are joyful, because, joy keeps you in control.  Joy will keep you from succumbing to the negative side of life.  So, keep your chin up, square your shoulders, plant joy in your heart and nothing will get you down.  Your life will be amazing. 
            There’s a significant key to keeping joy in your life before the mud hits the fan.  Speak loud and clear ten times every morning these words: “This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).  You will notice a sense of well-being and genuine peace come over you.  Only God through His word can give such dynamic confidence.  Make this a habit by repeating it every morning. You’ll be glad you did.  For more info you can visit us online at www.JoyChristianMinistries.com