Philippians

September 18, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Feeding Your Joy

Feeding Your Joy

Have you ever met someone who is constantly happy, smiling, laughing, looking on the bright side—always? You’d think this person would bring joy to our lives, but they often annoy us.

It could be that they aren’t joyful at all, even though they appear to be.

Joy is not a constant emotional high. Yet, we expect it to be. We beat ourselves up when joy seems to leave us. We whisper to ourselves that we aren’t living up to God’s standards because we aren’t joyful.

Joy is deeper than an emotional high. The roots of joy run to our soul, just like a flourishing tree has roots running deep underground. Sometimes joy is expressed in peace, contentment, assurance, faith or a relaxed spirit.

Joy has to be fed. Where do you turn to feed your joy?

I can easily turn to the things of this world to try to feed mine. It doesn’t last long, because my soul has an insatiable appetite that temporal things can’t satisfy.

God’s Word feeds our joy. Not a surface reading, but an immersion into this Holy Book.  And that takes time.

Immerse yourself into one of these passages of Scripture today, then the others in the days ahead.  These truths will feed your soul.

  • Philippians 4:4-8. This passage starts with, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (NIV) In these five verses, you’ll find encouragement. You’ll also receive instruction on how to keep godly thoughts on the forefront of your mind. These thoughts will fill your soul and bring joy.
  • Luke 24. The resurrection of Jesus. This is a detailed account of his appearance to many and their reactions. Luke writes in a way that draws you into the story and makes you feel like you are right there with him and the others.
  • John 14:1-4. Jesus promises his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them in heaven. The same is true for us. Read this and let your mind focus on the eternal, rather than the temporal here on earth. Your heart will be lifted up as you meditate on these verses.

You may want to approach the passage in this way:

  1. Read the passage.
  2. Silently think about it and see what God brings to your mind.
  3. Read it aloud a few times.
  4. Pray whatever comes to mind in response to God’s Word.

This practice should never become a ritual. It’s a great way to slow down and let the Word penetrate your heart. Feed your joy.

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).

Your Life With God - 30 Days of Joy

September 4, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Joy and Your Thoughts

Joy and Your Thoughts

What’s on your mind these days?

I remember a lengthy season in my life when I was wrestling with some professional and personal issues that left me drained at the end of each day.

Over and over, I would play things through my mind. There was no resolution. I was plagued with the same thoughts day after day.

Have you ever had a season like that?

During those weeks, which stretched into months, I leaned into the Lord. I got more serious about immersing myself into his Word. I studied passages, even the entire book of Luke, in depth. I knew I had to wash myself with God’s Word.

My prayer life became more intentional and regular. I often journaled my prayers to the Lord. I poured out my heart as I sought God’s solution to my tough situation.

I can honestly say that despite the heartache, there was a sense of joy in my life. I could still face the day, laugh now and then and enjoy time with people. Despite everything pressing in on me, I had joy.

Yes, there was an underlying sense of angst. I won’t kid you. But joy was still present.

I experienced what Nehemiah 8:10 clearly states, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

So I ask again, “What’s on your mind these days?”

If joy escapes you because something is consuming your thoughts, I want to encourage you. Be intentional about your study of the Word and your attention to prayer.

If you’re on top of the world right now and joy is filling your life, praise God! I still encourage you to go deep with God in the study of his Word and enjoy rich prayer times.

You see, it doesn’t matter whether we’re up or down, joyful or not, we need the food of the Word and oneness with God.

Meditate on this verse today. Use it as a trigger for your prayer time. Even now.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).

Your Life With God - 30 Days of Joy

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