As we come to the end of this year, choose joy. As you begin the new year, still choose joy.
The bible tells us that, “The joy of the Lord is our strength,” which means without joy, we might lose strength. Without joy, we might be weak.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
– Proverbs 17: 22 (NIV)
It is scientifically proven that joy can boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and reduce the tendency for stroke and heart attack. Joy can make us live longer. Joy is so powerful, it can change your life.
We need joy!
Joy is spiritually and physically powerful and essential in our daily lives. Whatever can steal your joy can stop your progress in life. By all means, protect your joy. The encouragement is to choose joy.
The world and the enemy know how powerful joy is, and Satan wants to steal our happiness or distract us from the source of our joy.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly
– John 10:10
When there is no joy, life can be a struggle. Joy gives us a form of hope for things to come. When there is no joy, the source of hope is taken away.
It is essential to make conscious decisions to choose joy and remain joyful, despite all that we might be going through or happening around us. We have to choose joy, because there are alternatives that aren’t joy.
Many situations will give us the option to select negative feelings. There would be tribulations, but choosing joy is a walk of faith.
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
– John 16:33 (NLT)
The thief tries to steal our joy and hope, but Jesus has come, so we have it in full.
Rick Warren defined joy as “A settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of our life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determine choice to praise God in every situation.”
Choosing joy is responding to external circumstances with inner peace because we know that God is at work in our life.
Many of us would have had a challenging moment in the course of the year but remember that we have also enjoyed God’s grace and goodness.
Sometimes a message destroys our joy, but when these things happen, let us look at it from God’s perspective by choosing joy.
Put your focus on God the Almighty when things happen and remember that God has a way of always making everything work out for our good.
How to choose joy:
- Approach every situation with faith and thanksgiving: Ephesians 5: 20
- Be open to God’s leading, inspiration and direction: Psalm 61:2
- See from God’s perspective at all times. Joseph and his brother,
- Let go of things you can’t control and do things within your control.
- Celebrate your little things.
- Singing and making melody in your heart: Ephesians 5: 19
Joy is like a magnet, when you dwell in joy, you attract more. The joy of the Lord will continue to strengthen you, in Jesus’ name.
Sermon excerpts by Pastor Seun Ladokun – (Wednesday, December 7, 2022)
Watch the full sermon here.
