Tuesday’s Joy . . .

Seeking and Cherishing God’s Gift of Joy

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement,
because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts
of the Lord’s people . . . Philemon 1:7

Thoughts for today & tomorrow . . .  

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
 may those who long for your saving help always say,
‘The Lord is great!’ . . . Psalm 70:4 

Seeking God’s gift of joy . . . the thought of searching for a gift brings back childhood memories? Do you remember
as a youngster searching for the hidden Christmas gifts somewhere in the house . . . were they in the attic, the basement, under a bed . . . where did you look? . . . did you ever find them? 

In the chaos and tornadic rush of the holiday season, do we search for God’s gifts as intently as we searched for presents as a child? . . . why or why not? 

We desire to find hope, and we need to find peace, but do we remember how important joy is in the celebration of
the birth of the Child? 

Where is joy . . . WHERE IS JOY??

Joy can be found in God's presence . . . worship time, reading a devotion or Scripture, Christian music, prayer,
watching and listening for God’s presence, even time spent in silence . . . all are powerful ways to draw into God's presence and to find your joy! 

Joy flows from thankfulness . . . remember “enter His gates with Thanksgiving in your hearts.” When we are weary
and tired, running and rushing about from one event to the next, thankfulness can get lost in the shuffle. Take some time to jot down those things you are grateful for . . .  when you find yourself overwhelmed look back on your list and realize how fortunate you are through the many blessings that come from God’s grace and love. 

Joy needs the right focus . . . as you focus on being grateful for all that God has done in your life your perspectives changes Focus on the Giver of every good gift . . .  that is the key that unlocks the door to joy. When mindful of God
and what He has done there isn’t room in your heart for fear and anxiety.

Joy is a choice . . . and your spiritual strength is directly connected that choice. If you choose gratitude, choose to
be in His presence, you are choosing joy . . . and then your focus can be on the joy that came into the world through
the Child. 

Joy is not determined by our situation; it comes from within . . . it is something deeper than happiness because happiness is determined by outer circumstances. Do you know that when you focus on negative things around you,
you restrict, and immobilize joy. Some things are no fault of your own and out of your control, but you can always rejoice in what God is doing in and through you. What you can control is the way you respond to difficulties.  

Seek and cherish the joy you find in God's presence. This will strengthen you through the power of the Lord, and
your gratitude will lead you into a more joy-filled Advent season. 

Reflections of Joy . . .  

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 . . . Psalm 5:11 

Joy comes from knowing Christ is in our lives and knowing that God is in control of all the details of our lives. The Light
of Christ allows you to see your way through darkness, providing the means to find a quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright. 

Look at a candle flame and see how much light each single flicker gives off. This is how Christ lights your life . . . it takes just a little light to make a huge difference in the darkness. 

Think about how Christ’s light leads you out of the darkness . . . and brings the joy of living to your life.  

Draw or color a candle giving light to your world, or even light a candle in thanksgiving for the joys in your life. See
The Light who gives light to your world.                     

Remember to pray . . .  

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink,
but of living a life of goodness and peace
and joy in the Holy Spirit . . . Romans 14:17 

Talk with God today . . . spend some time with Him in silence, listening carefully for a whisper or thought that He
places on your heart. Ask God’s help to understand how joy differ from happiness for you. 

Ask the Lord to help you think of past joys that you would like to praise and thank Him for . . . and ask God to shine Christ’s light on your joys today. 

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power
so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.
May you be filled with joy . . . Colossians 1:11 

Seeking & Cherishing God’s Gift of Joy through the Kaleidoscope . . .  

To be joyful is an attitude or standard that you choose to live by. Joy does not alter with emotions, because it is an
inner contentment despite all circumstances. Happiness is an emotion that is fleeting and easily spun in circles. Joy
in God is available all the time, in any situation.  

As you focus on the multifaceted colors and reflects within the kaleidoscope today, think about how, when you follow Christ, joy becomes a way of life. Let each crystal in the patterns remind of you of all the mistakes, negative responses, and sins that He has completely forgiven. God has taken care of them all, and He has provided a good reason to embrace a joy-filled life. 

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you,
and that your joy may be full . . . John 15:11 

Seek & Cherish God’s Gift of The Light . . . Choose Joy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb3W_P4AyBA