JOY in the Moment

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“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

Easy words to say, but in the heat of the moment? I have to say I’ve been there so many times with so many different people and situations. Full of anger and un-forgiveness. I’m usually a carefree person, but those who know me best, know I have my attitudes. It’s so hard to be joyful and in prayer when someone or thing has made you so upset. When (and I’m speaking to myself here!) an unforgiving heart, filled with anger, or self pity, or being the victim fills us. In those situations it’s nearly impossible to be filled with joy. But with experience of life, I’ve found that it’s almost easier to be filled with joy in those situations than when everything is going so wonderful! What? Yes, let that sink in. Knowing how hard it is to be filled with joy in the hard times vs being filled with joy in the good? Yikes! That’s a bit unnerving. Let me explain a bit here. Joy is not always the same thing as happiness. In my humble opinion, knowing the little I know about the Bible and not knowing theology, I dare to say that true joy can only come from having the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us. Without that we are empty no matter what’s going on inside of us. And when we do have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside, are we still and quiet enough to hear what He is saying to us? To fully accept the joy? Things to think about. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and stories.