“Always be full of joy in the Lord! I say it again – rejoice!”

Philippians 4:4

Joy! Joy is a beautiful word in itself, but I love the acronym – Jesus – Others – You! 

I’ve caught myself lately feeling like my joy is fading in my exhaustion of this season. But as I reflect on the source of true joy, I realize it’s not my joy that’s fading. It’s my zeal to do for others. I want my time back for the things I want to do. I want my time back to sleep well and rest my mind well. I want my body to recover from the stress. Because I am tired and weary! Very tired and I’m not so crazy about doing the tasks that are put in front of me to do for others anymore. But somehow, I have this supernatural strength that keeps my body going and my spirit and faith from failing. 

I think we all have seasons in our life where we feel our joy is being sucked from within. And our desire to continue is dull. But Joy doesn’t come from our circumstances, our financial standing, our marital status, or any other unpleasant lifenstance (yep – that’s my own word there) because Joy isn’t really about us.

Our Joy comes from the blessing of knowing Jesus and knowing that Jesus is with us as we serve others. Our Joy comes from the work itself that Jesus calls us to do because when we are doing for others, we are doing for Jesus. 

I know that sounds so backwards. But I can’t tell you how true it is. When I wake up and feel I can do no more, somehow, Jesus powers me through. And at the end of the day, my joy is restored and I can truly rejoice because the Joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10)! So I say it again….rejoice and be glad that our joy never fades. We just have to break it out of our own perspective sometimes.

What can you do today to brighten your Joy and make the day amazing for somebody else?

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer”

Romans 12:10-12

#SaturdaySoulSearch