Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts

Saturday, January 11, 2014

What do you focus on



Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

A lot of things happen in our daily lives. Some are good, some are bad. Jesus did not promise us life without troubles. However, He promised us victory and even when bad stuff comes our way we will come out of it as winners. Unfortunately, we do not see much of that in most of our lives. Why is that? I believe our focus on the ‘wrong stuff’ keeps us on the losing side. We think about our weaknesses, troubles, problems, losses, failures and etc. and we stay in those things indefinitely. Why? Whatever we focus on grows. By focusing on the negative things we magnify them and they overwhelm us. We become victims of our own thinking. 

I want to repeat myself that I do not deny the fact that we constantly experience troubles. I want to say that our focus helps or hinders us to get from ‘the bad’ to ‘the good’. If you meditate on the negative side, that stuff takes a firm grip on you and does not let you to break free. 

Let’s assume you have lost your work and are unable to find any at the moment. What do you focus on and what are your expectations? Do you beat yourself up, think how hopeless you are, be desperate and see only doom and gloom, or you still find ways to enjoy life, have hope and expect bright future. Your thinking will determine how you feel and this really makes a difference. You can be in trouble for a considerable period of time and still enjoy life, because your attitude determines whether you are happy or not, and not the circumstances you are in. If you think you are a victim of your circumstance and only when they change you will be happy you will be disappointed. Circumstances will change, but they will not change you. You will stay the same. And if you were unhappy during troubled times you will not be happy during good times, because your focus will be the same. You will find things to be unhappy about. 

If you are ill and situation does not change or even gets worse you still have to look for positive things to make you feel better, have fun and enjoy life. Disease is not your cross to be carried. Think about God’s love and that one day your trouble will be over. Believe for a miracle and for the time being find courage to laugh at your problems. If you have joy during hard times you are a more than a conqueror. If you have joy, you are a winner.

Change your focus now. Find the silver lining now. When things get better you will be even happier then. If you do not change, a change in circumstances will not bring about a desirable change. Love God and expect good things to happen and God Himself will work for the good of you. Just be sure to think right.
Happy New Year! I wish you the most blessed year you have ever had.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Rejoice in the Lord



Philippians 3:1: “Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.”

Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit that are supposed to be grown by every sincere Christian. It may not be easy in the world that is full of trials and problems. However, it is only under tests and trials that we face pressure under which fruits can grow. When you have no pressure you will not be able to grow. So, learn to rejoice in your circumstances. God is good.

Monday, July 16, 2012

18 encouraging Bible verses about joy


Love, peace and joy are probably the most desirable things in the world. We search for those, think about them and even pay money to get them. However, the Bible has some good news for us all and that is joy and the other two are for free. Anyone can have them. Jesus paid the price for us to experience eternal love of God, peace of mind and real joy of the heart. I have selected 18 encouraging Bible verses about joy for you to think about and find out about the true joy that God gives us. God bless you with endless joy daily. 

1. Nehemiah 8:10
„Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

2. Job 20:5
„...that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.“

3. Psalm 5:11
„But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.“

4. Psalm 16:11
„You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.“

5. Psalm 19:8
„The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.“

6. Psalm 30:11
„You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy...“
7. Psalm 43:4

„Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.“

8. Psalm 45:7
„You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.“

9. Psalm 126:5
„Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.“

10. Proverbs 12:20
„Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.“

11. Isaiah 56:7
„...these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

12. Isaiah 61:3
„...and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.“

13. Luke 2:10
„But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.“

14. John 15:11
„I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.“

15. John 16:22
„So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.“

16. John 16:24
„Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.“

17. Romans 14:17
„For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit...“

18. 2 Corinthians 8:2
„In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.“

Hope you were encouraged by these Bible verses.

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