Christians should be recognized around the world just by their happy, smiling faces. After all, when we fall in love with Jesus, we just can't help but glow in the light of His presence. That's because joy radiates in every aspect of our lives when we fully surrender our hearts to God. Unfortunately, some Christians feel that if they are serious about loving God, they should be somber and serious in their daily living, they forget that God wants us to be happy. Others are only joyful as long as everything is going smoothly in their lives and at the first sign of trouble, the worry lines appear. However, Jesus commands His children to remain cheerful and courageous at all times. He wants us to praise Him even when times are tough. No matter what we are facing, we should go forward with Christian optimism, trusting in Jesus, knowing that He is in control even when we are afraid and heartache threatens to consume us we should accept God's gift of joy and truly praise Jesus. The world's happiness comes and goes, but God's joy is everlasting and not dependent on what's happening in the world around us.
Text:
Psalm 70:4 NLT
"But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying.
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Psalm 94:19 NLT
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com