For some, the holidays are wonderful times, filled with joy. But for others, they are anything but joyful.
If you are one of those people who find little joy in the holidays, perhaps the following discoveries I found awhile back will be helpful.
I was embarking on doing some “soul work” to reprogram my flesh from lapsing into self-pity, and to instead operate in godly, healthy ways (i.e., to develop a focus on others, and to have healthy thoughts, words, and deeds). First, I asked God to show me what is the opposite of self-pity, so I could focus on that. This is what I discovered.
Joyfulness is the opposite of self-pity. Joyfulness focuses on God and others. Self-pity focuses on myself. Therefore, to conquer self-pity, God led me to confess my self-pity and then focus on developing joyfulness. In other words, I purposed to replace self-pity with joyfulness.
After reading several definitions of joyfulness, I combined the most helpful ideas into the following definition.
Joyfulness is the spontaneous enthusiasm and exultation of my spirit, when my soul is in harmony with God. Joy is openly and outwardly displayed in my actions and words, as well as my thoughts and emotions.
As I studied the Scriptures related to joy, I began to see some emerging biblical principles. Around these principles, I formulated the following practical application statements for myself, based on these Bible verses.
James 1:2 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
Application: I will consider the challenges of life an opportunity to choose joy instead of self-pity.
Psalms 16:11 HCSB You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Application: I will focus on spending time in God’s presence, because He is the source of joy.
Psalms 119:111 HCSB I have Your decrees as a heritage forever; indeed, they are the joy of my heart.
Application: I will feed on God’s Word, for it is the joy of my heart.
Proverbs 15:23 NASB A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!
Application: I will be alert to promptings from the Holy Spirit to speak His wisdom into a situation, which will bring joy to the situation.
Proverbs 10:28 ESV The hope of the righteous brings joy.
Application: I purpose to hope for, and in fact anticipate, God’s goodness in my life, and in the lives of those I love. This will bring me joy.
John 16:24 ISV So far you haven't asked for anything in my name. Keep asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete."
Application: I purpose to pray in real-time, as needs arise (so that I “pray about everything”). As I do this, I have more opportunities to experience the joy of answered prayer.
Galatians 5:22a TPT But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows.
Application: I will periodically ask God to show me anything that is blocking the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, so that the flow of joy from Him is unhindered.
Philippians 1:3-4 HCSB I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, (4) always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer,
Application: Each week, I will spend time filling my heart with joy, as I remember and thank God for the good things that He has done through the people He has placed in my life.
Psalms 40:4a NLT Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD.
Application: Each week, I will look for something new that I can trust the Lord for, which will bring me joy and reaffirm in my heart that God wants to help me.
Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”