JOYfulness VS. Self~Pity God can turn our greatest sorrows into our deepest joys.

JOYfulness is the bright spirit and radiant countenance that come by being in full fellowship with the Lord.

It is possible to have joy and sorrow at the same time, because joy is an expression of the spirit, and sorrow is an expression of the soul. Joy and sorrow can effect our hearts so that we will have either a joyful heart or a sorrowful heart.

• Joy is our strength~ For the joy of the LORD is our strength Nehemiah 8:10
• Joy is our health~ A merry heart doeth good like a medicine Proverbs 17:22
• Joy is our brightness~A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance Proverbs 15:13

What are the steps to experience JOY??

Give thanks unto the LORD. It is God's will for us as a believer.

• All things come from the hand of God. {Job 1:21, Matt.10:29}
• Ever thing that happens to us is ultimately for our good. {Rom.8:29}
• Every circumstance can build character in us. {Rom.8:29}
• Difficulties and afflictions can teach us God's ways. {Psalm 119:71}

Call upon His name. Are you trying to live this Christian life of your own accord and your own energy? I know I have. God will put us in situations beyond our human ability to deal with to remind us that we need Him for His strength to give us the desire and power to do his will! {For when I am weak, then am I strong 2Cor.12:10}

Make known His deeds among the people. When we cry out. He will respond. It is then our responsibility to tell others the mighty things God hath done for us! Our rejoicing glorifies Him and strengthens the faith of others.

Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him. Eph.5:18-19. A person who sings is joyful!

Talk ye of all his wondrous works. Our conversation centers around people and events which we are most excited. It is a joy to tell others about the mighty things the Lord is doing in and through us!

Glory Ye in his holy name. {John 14:14} He is the Great Physician, the Tireless Provider and the Strong Protector.

Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jer.29:13 Trails and tribulations are designed by God to turn our affections away from temporal things. When God has our WHOLE hearts, He fills them with joy, because No Good thing will he withhold from those that walk uprightly Psalm84:11

Seek the LORD and his strength. We can ask Him for wisdom to discern the benefits of such trials, so we can thank Him for them. The resulting joy strengthens us, because ...the joy of the LORD is...our strength Neh.8:10

Seek his face continually. Are there sins or transgressions that would cause Him to hide his face from us? Or cause us to not want to look up at His face? As His face shines upon us, our faces also shine and brighten the lives of others. This is the very essence of JOY!!

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR JOY?!

I have lost my joy before. There is no better time then NOW to get it back.

I have been studying a book called The Power For True Success How to Build Character in Your Life. Most of this has been quoted right from the book... May it be a blessing to you as it most definitely was for me!