How To ThriveSample

How To Survive THRIVE - Emotionally

Day 6: Joy

 

Many have stated that happiness is dependant on happenings and that joy is the fruit of something much deeper. Nehemiah 8:10 says “the joy OF the Lord, is my strength.” Joy belongs to God and begins in His heart. So what does God rejoice over? 

• Isaiah 62:5 “And as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.”
• Isaiah 65:19 “And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people” 
• Luke 17:15 “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more JOY in heaven over one sinner who repents…” 

The answer is simple - us. God takes huge delight in us - His children. It brings His heart great JOY being in a restored relationship with us. In the same way parents take great delight, and it brings them great joy, to just watch their children at play, so it is with God and us.  In the midst of trials and troubles, a parent can still feel great joy purely because of that relational connection they have with their children. Knowing the joy God feels in having a close relationship with us IS OUR STRENGTH - what a mind blowing concept! For some God can feel distant, and for others they feel insignificant in the eyes of God - therefore meditating on the truth that God rejoices in us and that we bring JOY to His heart, brings great healing, intimacy and strength to our hearts - motivating us to persevere even in the hardest of trials. 

Zephaniah 3:17 “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Saviour. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” 

If this truth is one you have not personally experienced, then why don't you take a moment to ask God to reveal His heart of joy towards you. Create a space in your day to regularly reflect on the song of JOY that He sings over you. Draw on His strength through the significance of that song.

Written by Madz Deyzel | Grace Counselling Director