4 Reasons to be Joyful Today

Sometimes, I find myself in a “mood”, gloomy and lethargic. I’m not necessarily angry or upset, just generally out of sorts. I do what I need to, but without any real joy in the task.

“Moods” don’t have to be caused by spiritual "sins", per se, although if you feel moody, a quick check-up on your Bible reading and prayer life is a good idea. There are a number of things that might leave you feeling like you have no joy. Honestly, as long as we are not neglecting our walk with God, what causes the less than joyful spirit is not as important as how we deal with it.

Sometimes we cannot control our circumstances, but we can always control how we respond to them.

Read on for 4 Reasons to be Joyful Today.

1. You are Forgiven

I John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

What does the word forgive really mean? According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, it means to pardon; to treat the offender as not guilty. Do we realize how significant these words are? How many times have we “forgiven” someone and held a grudge? God does not have such a shallow definition of forgiveness; He forgives fully.

We are completely forgiven; He treats us as though we have never sinned. In spite of all the sins we have committed, we are FORGIVEN. Take just a moment and think about some of the things you have been forgiven for. Your biggest mistakes, failures, shortcomings, are all forgiven, erased by the blood of Jesus and God’s forgiveness!

In Psalm 51, King David said “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation” and I believe we should pray the same prayer. We have received forgiveness through salvation and dwelling on this should bring a burst of joy to our heart every time!

2. You have the Family of God

II Corinthians 8:3-5

For to their [the church's] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon s the fellowship of the ministering of the saints.

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

I was very blessed to have grown up in a godly home with a wonderful Christian family. I am so thankful for that!

I do realize, however, that many did not grow up in a good home. Maybe you do not have a great Christian heritage, but, after salvation, we receive a wonderful new family- the family of God! One beautiful thing about God’s family is the instant connection we have with the other members. I’ve seen God’s people do so much, both for me personally and for others that are new in the faith. There is just something so special about the bond that forms between God’s children!

No matter what I have gone through in my life, there has always been a member of God’s family to help me through it. They help keep my journey joyful!

3. The Favour God has shown

Job 10:12

Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.

When I first read this verse, I did not really process its location in the Bible. I happened to be reading a devotional about thankfulness and this verse was tucked in there. I scanned the verse and felt it strike a chord in my heart, so I reread it. It was not until the third time reading it through that I realized this was a verse from Job!

I’m sure we have all heard the story of Job. Job lost his family, his riches, and even his health. To top it all off, his own friends turned out to be miserable comforters, essentially stating that if he would just repent of whatever sin had brought this judgment, he would have an easier time of it. Talk about awful!

And yet, in this verse, Job is thanking God for the favour he has been shown! It is amazing to me that a man that had lost so much could still say that God had shown him favour. This leads me to conclude that God’s favour is not necessarily manifested by physical blessings. Stop and think of some blessings that you will always have, no matter how “bad” things may get on the outside.

~unconditional love

~never being alone

~forgiveness

~God’s grace and mercy

~prayer

~God’s Word

The list is pretty much endless! Take a moment to write down some of the “favours” God has shown to you that can never change. If that doesn't bring a joyful smile to your lips, I don't know what will!

4. Your Future

Romans 8:18

For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Hebrews 10:37

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

I Thessalonians 4:16-18

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught p together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Therefore comfort one another with these words.

These verses are so comforting; I can't read them without a smile on my face. Read them once more and see if you don't finish with a lighter heart!

As a child of God, you have the promise of spending all eternity with the Lord! How amazing is it that the Creator of the universe wants to spend forever with you?! That sounds like a pretty joyful future to me!

When all else fails, think of seeing Him!

Let’s Chat:

Today we highlighted forgiveness, the family of God, God’s favour, and our bright future as reasons to be joyful! What are some other things that bring joy to your soul on a hard day? Let us know by dropping us a note on our “Contact” page, or at threnladies@gmail.com.

Continue being joyful!

Love in Christ,

Sara