12 Days of Christian Self Examination Day 9: The Paths of Joy
What is the "joy of the Lord"?
Experiencing God's joy may feel differently for each of us, but that joy always has one element in common: we look forward to what God does for us in this life and also in the life to come.
Our joy cannot be based on heaven alone.
Eternal life doesn't begin when we leave this world.
Salvation is for here and for heaven.
Eternal life begins when we choose Jesus as our leader and we commit to following and obeying Him. We were created to be in fellowship with our creator. It's that fellowship that brings joy. That fellowship requires God's leading and our obedience. There cannot be one without the other.
How does joy show up, and how is it experienced?
The joyful Christian is free from holding grudges, because vengeance has been turned over the God.
The joyful Christian isn't unnaturally stressed, because God assumes responsibility for the believer's safety, welfare and wellness.
The joyful Christian understands his or her life purpose, because God has revealed it.
The joyful Christian doesn't engage in envy, because God's love is clearly and personally expressed each day and in every circumstance.
The joyful Christian accepts mistakes (their own and others) because God's forgiveness is comforting and gratefully accepted.
The joyful Christian seeks holiness (their own) because sin is painful, uncomfortable, and unattractive.
This joyful Christian has healthy relationships because God guides and blesses their interactions and commitments.
The joyful Christian takes good care of their body as an act of worship and gratitude to God.
This joyful Christian faces death with faith, grace, and courage because he or she knows physical death is not an end, but is the beginning of a deeper experience of the presence of God.
Where are you on the paths of joy?
Experiencing God's joy may feel differently for each of us, but that joy always has one element in common: we look forward to what God does for us in this life and also in the life to come.
Our joy cannot be based on heaven alone.
Eternal life doesn't begin when we leave this world.
Salvation is for here and for heaven.
Eternal life begins when we choose Jesus as our leader and we commit to following and obeying Him. We were created to be in fellowship with our creator. It's that fellowship that brings joy. That fellowship requires God's leading and our obedience. There cannot be one without the other.
How does joy show up, and how is it experienced?
The joyful Christian is free from holding grudges, because vengeance has been turned over the God.
The joyful Christian isn't unnaturally stressed, because God assumes responsibility for the believer's safety, welfare and wellness.
The joyful Christian understands his or her life purpose, because God has revealed it.
The joyful Christian doesn't engage in envy, because God's love is clearly and personally expressed each day and in every circumstance.
The joyful Christian accepts mistakes (their own and others) because God's forgiveness is comforting and gratefully accepted.
The joyful Christian seeks holiness (their own) because sin is painful, uncomfortable, and unattractive.
This joyful Christian has healthy relationships because God guides and blesses their interactions and commitments.
The joyful Christian takes good care of their body as an act of worship and gratitude to God.
This joyful Christian faces death with faith, grace, and courage because he or she knows physical death is not an end, but is the beginning of a deeper experience of the presence of God.
Where are you on the paths of joy?
Comments