Finding Joy

James 1:2-3 says, ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance’. (NIV)

Joy is sometimes a visitor in life, not always a lifestyle in the way we live or walk out each day. Having a Joyful heart, brings a smile to the face, a soft answer in a heated conversation and the patience to see something through. Before Joy is a way of life it’s a choice. We need to train ourselves to put avoid negative thinking and make a conscious decision to live the moment or the day from a Joyful perspective.

Have a think about whether you feel Joyful, take time to do something like reading, walking, looking for the positives that lead to a Joyful heart. In time your outlook will become more joyful than before.

Quote

A Joyful heart is contagious and will bring a smile to those around you.

Prayer

Lord, help me take the time to move away from negative thoughts and draw near to a joyful outlook, Amen.

Action Point Sometimes, allowing a constantly negative friend to influence your mind is not good, surround yourself with joyful and positive people.

Copyright notices

(NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Use in other publications

You can use all of this devotional personally, in your Church or Ministry when including this notice.   Copyright © Carl Brettle. Subscribe for free via www.imani.org