“The healthiest response to life is joy.” ― Mark Twain

In the prior post, we discussed that although joy is available, we must choose it. When we do this, it becomes our lifestyle.

Rick Warren stated, “If you’re a follower of Jesus, joy should be a way of life. Why? You’ve been completely forgiven – no guilt, no shame, no remorse, and no regrets. God has wiped them all out. Sounds like a good reason for joy to me.”  All I can say to this is, Amen!

So, how should this look? Norman Vincent Peale had a powerful answer to this:

“Think joy, talk joy, practice joy, share joy, saturate your mind with joy, and you will have the time of your life today and every day all your life.” 

Is it easy, especially during challenging times? No, not always, but as someone said (Anonymous), “Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be filled with joy.”

Paul gave us insight into the importance of joy in our lives when he gave final instructions to the church in Corinth. In 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT), he told them, “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”    

The directive to be joyful is the first item listed and reflects its significance. We need to ensure it is a priority in our lives. I pray that we make the effort to do this.

“Be committed to living in constant joy.” ― Pam Brout

Please join me next time as we continue to “focus on joy.”

[Joy is => inner gladness, delight, calm delight, or even rejoicing.]
If you missed the prior post, click here.

Thank you for your time. Be Blessed! LR Maddox
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