“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.” Psalm 5:11

Do you ever consider that in scripture, joy is an instruction? We are told that we must choose joy! Sometimes choosing joy is easy. Sometimes choosing joy seems utterly impossible. What we know from scripture though is that we always have the capacity to choose joy because it is given to us when we receive the Holy Spirit. Joy is a gift given to us, however, we choose to operate from in our daily lives. Lately, the Lord has been showing me something interesting about joy. Most of us, if asked, would say that we desire joy in our lives, right? I'd agree that most of us think we desire joy, however, I've noticed lately that sometimes we resist joy. Is it possible that some of us fear the very joy we seek? Why would we resist rejoicing? Well, I believe that sometimes we find misplaced comfort in our suffering. Sometimes, I believe we hold onto sadness, grief, anger, disappointment, or despair because while they don't cause us to thrive, they may be familiar enough to hold onto. Some of us might hold on because we fear that letting go and operating from joy discounts the hurt we experienced. Some of us might fear that joy in the present means we might forget what we held dear in the past. Some of us might fear who we are and the potential we hold should we step into true joy. Some may resist joy for fear of losing it again. The problem is though that living joyfully is not a suggestion, it's an instruction. When we forfeit joy, we grieve the heart of God who desires good for us. Our joy is an expression of our trust in God. Joy is the expression of gratitude for the sacrificial gift of salvation. I'll confess to you that maintaining steady joy is a challenge for me. I minister to you today as I remind my own soul to continually worship. Here's what true. All of creation joyfully celebrates God's glory. People who have suffered immeasurable loss maintain joy and in doing so minister to others. People WITH little are able to find joy IN little. My friends, can we determine to rejoice today simply because we love the name of Jesus? Can we operate from joy because it's a gift of the Spirit and in doing so we offer an attitude of gratitude for the monumental and minuet provision, protection, and propitiation that is ours each and every day because of the cross? Will you welcome joy with me today?

Gracious God, thank you for the immeasurable love you have for me and the abundant grace you offer me. Thank you that I can experience joy because you usher it in and walk with me beside still and peaceful waters no matter what life throws my way. Jesus, if I've inadvertently feared or resisted joy and accepted counterfeit replacements, I ask your forgiveness. I also ask for courage to experience the fullness of joy of in my salvation and the freedom to rejoice in you always. Today, Lord, will you gently remind me to open the door to joy and welcome it in with open arms. Help me to grasp that in doing so, I am walking in obedience that precedes increased blessing in my life. Obedience that gives you glory and is fully pleasing to you, my loving Father. In Jesus precious name, I pray. Amen.