Ponder This: What are some practical ways to cultivate joy in our lives based on the Bible?
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Scriptures To Consider:
Romans 15:13 -May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Psalm 71:23 -My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 -Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
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Reflections From The PrayerBowl Team:
One way I cultivate joy through the Bible is by immersing myself in the Psalms and praise music. The Psalms are filled with God's faithfulness, which encourages me to rejoice in Him.
I especially love listening to praise music on the way to work - it lifts my spirit, makes me smile, it helps set a joyful tone for my day. Praise music during mass also brings deep joy, as it connects me to God's presence and reinforces HIs promise through scripture.
Although CULTIVATE isn't part of my regular vocabulary, as soon as I read it, I was taken back to childhood, when my family would carefully prepare the land to plant a garden. The process was work that took time and care, but we knew that in the months ahead, we would have delicious vegetables on our plates.
God's call to us to cultivate spiritually is a beautiful invitation. The time we invest in this cultivation leads to the growth of good fruits. When I turn to Paul and his writings in the Bible, I am filled with inspiration and encouragement. His wisdom speaks directly to my soul, reminding me that my joy and hope come from Christ, whose Spirit lives within me.
I also love reading the Psalms. Here are a few of my favorite scriptures that help me to grow in Joy.
Psalm 103:1-5 reminds me of my promised inheritance.
Psalm 118:21-29 reminds me of my redemption
Psalm 16:8-11 reminds me the Lord is always with me.
I searched online "how to cultivate joy," and article after article shared that joy was deeper and longer-lasting than happiness. They did not mention God, they did not mention Jesus, and they did not mention the Fruits of the Spirit. It's my understanding that you cannot find joy without God. Happiness involves having the right circumstances. Joy is a choice, no matter what the circumstances are.
Kay Warren shared in her book, Choose Joy, that joy has to be found on the inside through a perspective that sees life through God’s eternal lens’ that sees what God values. The secret of joy is choosing the eternal over the temporary in every situation. “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things."
