I’m praying for more joy. More joy in my life. In my family. In my church. More joy.
Not because we are sad or low or down. Not because we’re upset or worried or fearful. Simply because it’s good to be joyful.
Every time I open the bible at the moment, words stand out about joy! Here’s a few:
‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy’ (Romans 15:13)
‘A joyful heart is good medicine’ (Prov 17:22)
‘Be joyful in the Lord always. Again I say: rejoice!’ (Phil 4:4)
‘You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy’ (Isaiah 9:3)
‘The joy of the Lord is your strength’ (Nehemiah 8:10)
We’re encouraged to be joyful. Invited to be joyful. Even commanded to be joyful! Because it’s good and a sign of abundant life.
Joy is an attitude of gratitude. It’s not just a superficial emotion. And it’s more than just feeling happy. Those things can disappear or change with circumstances. Joy is something different. Something stronger and more profound. Joy is an expression of something deep in our hearts – of a contentedness that comes from Jesus Christ.
It’s great meeting a truly joyful person. You can’t help but be encouraged by them! This is even more true of a joyful community. Who wouldn’t want to belong to a people like that?
Why not join me in praying each day for joy? For yourself and for others. Because joy is to be shared and given away. And the Lord has unlimited supplies of joy. So don’t be afraid to ask. For joy. For more joy.
Discipleship Blog 
Thank you, Matthew, for your words about joy. Perhaps you will be able to share this with clergy colleagues at chapter meetings in the diocese too… ??
Someone said to me recently, ‘ I would go to church services more often if the vicars weren’t so miserable-looking and dull in their presentation; if they really believed in the resurrection and that Jesus can transform lives, wouldn’t that show in their faces and the way they lead and present things? I want people to lead the church who have personally been ‘ surprised by joy.’ Then I might be prepared to look at Jesus and Christianity as viable for myself. I’ve heard all the rhetoric , I have read the books, and I know when it isn’t genuine too.’ So it comes down to ‘ show me…’ And our challenge is ‘so, with joy, we shall draw water out of wells of salvation ‘ to quote the psalm and an old St Michael’s song! May you have a joyful summer!
A very timely word. I’m going to adopt it as part of my daily getting up and ready routine.