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Rejoice in the Lord!

If you have no joy, there’s a leak in your Christianity somewhere.”  Billy Sunday  

 

Sometimes it’s hard to find the inspiration to get up and face a new day. And it certainly doesn’t help that the news right now often makes us want to pull the cover over our heads and stay in bed!  

 And yet, Scripture says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again will I say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). 

 The Apostle Paul focused on finding — and keeping — joy, no matter what. Paul was one who would know what it was like to live without joy. He was a legalistic Pharisee, a persecutor of Christians before his conversion. On the Road to Damascus, he found Jesus Christ. He discovered that joy came from Jesus and could be maintained, even in times of difficulty. He wanted Christians of his day and future believers to understand the importance of joy. Here are some of Paul’s guidelines to help you restore or maintain your joy:

 

Practice grace
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

 As a sinner, you do not deserve His grace. And yet, He freely bestows it on you. In His desire to free you from the bondage of sin, God gave up His Son. This is grace in its purest form! It allows you to commune with the Lord. It secures your place in eternity with Him. 

 Because of His grace to you, you should freely give it to others. And to yourself! Be quick to forgive. Experiencing God’s grace in your life and allowing it to flow to others will renew the joy in your heart.
 

Consider what really matters
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8).

A lot of people look for joy in all the wrong places. Nothing is as valuable as a relationship with Jesus, and nothing will fill the void if He isn’t part of your life! Fight the “drift!” Don’t let misplaced priorities overwhelm. Possessions and position might bring temporary happiness but never lasting joy. 

 

Know God
“That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10). 

 Lasting joy comes from knowing Christ more and more. Paul said his #1 goal in life was to pursue knowing Christ. Never stop growing and developing your relationship with Jesus. 

 Do not let your joy fade away! Get ready to recycle and renew your joy. Build a focused relationship with your Savior who loved you enough to send His Son to die for you. Let Him fill you with lasting joy!    

 

 My prayer this week—Heavenly Father, please don’t let my joy fade. Help me continue growing in knowledge of you, offering grace to others and considering what really matters. Help me keep my eyes on you, that I might always be filled with and radiate joy!