Joy to the World

Many enter into the Christmas season expecting peace on earth and goodwill toward men. This is how it should be, or used to be, but ‘Christmas’ has become so commercialized that few of the original sentiments exist. For many, stress, painful memories, loneliness or grief over loved ones who are no longer present, steal the joy right out of the holidays.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

The Bible is filled with scriptures that talk about joy…..

“They that sow in tears will reap in joy, (Ps 126:5)” …. “Sorrow may last for a night, but joy will be found in the morning (Ps 30:5).”

One thing I’ve discovered is Joy, Happiness, and Bliss are all options we can choose.

I know, some of you are frowning right now but think about it.

When you get out of bed in the morning, you can choose how you want to go about your day. In those first few moments of waking, you are most susceptible to creating your day by the thoughts you think and feelings you allow to permeate your entire being.

So why not make them pleasant ones?

Here are a few ideas on how to increase the joy in your life….

Start each day with “I choose to be happy today” as your motto. Write this down and place it where you’ll see it upon waking and then carry it with you throughout your day.

Gratitude is one of the best ways to increase your joy. Think about and thank God for all the good in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal by your bed is an easy and effective way to do this. In fact, meditating on your blessings before you go to bed induces better sleep. If you’re not one to write things down, simply begin by saying “Thank You” as you open your eyes and be conscious of your blessings throughout your morning routine and daily activities and then again as you drift off to sleep.

Music is another way to feel and experience joy early in the mornings. If your alarm clock blares some hard country, loud rock or heavy metal, chances are you’re not going to wake up very joyful. Find a soft rock, classical or Christian music station and awake to songs of gladness. If your cell phone is your alarm, set the tone to something spiffy and joyful.

Share joy in every instance you can. Close your eyes and pray that divine joy go before you into every activity and conversation.

Send joy and blessings to everyone you come in contact with or pass on the street. Wave, smile, nod, and speak joy every chance you get.

These are just a few ideas but as you begin, I’m sure you’ll come up with more ways to increase the joy in your life and by doing so, increase joy in others’ lives also.

Does this guarantee you’ll never have a moment of sadness or a gloomy day?

Of course not!

We are all human and sadness, depression, etc. are normal, human emotions. However, making a determined effort to be more joyful will lessen the severity and length of those less-than-joyful times.

Philippians 4:4 encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again, I say, "Rejoice!" 

May you find reasons to rejoice each day and may joy abound in your life.

Something to think about...
PamT
“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™
"Coaching in PJs" ™
​
Other Scriptures on Joy: Esther 9:22; Job 41:22; Jeremiah 31:13; John 16:20 & 21

---

*©2012 Previously published as Pamela's Ponderings Dec. 2012