Joy is a fruit (or a benefit) of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, along with love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We learn from the Bible that a benefit of the joy of the Lord is that it renews our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Indeed, there are many health benefits of having joy including that it promotes a healthier lifestyle; boosts the immune system; fights stress and pain; and supports longevity (Healthline, 2018). Joy takes our minds off of pain and grief and gives us hope.
“A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
– Proverbs 17:22 AMP
See Related: 5 Things That Bring Me Joy
The Bible teaches us that joy comes from being in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11). So how do we enter into God’s presence here on Earth?
Spend Time with Jesus
I cannot stress this one enough. When you get to know Jesus, you can’t help but fall in love with Him. Discovering how much He has done for you will have that effect. The best way to do this is by reading His Word with an open heart.
As you read about God’s great love for you, you will get to know Jesus. And as you spend more time talking to Him, you will learn that Jesus is the best Friend you can ever have, One that you will always be able to count on. There is no other greater joy than that!
Give And It Shall Be Given To You
We learn in the Bible that it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). The holiday season is the perfect time to remember those who are less fortunate and to share what we have with others. But for the grace of God, we could easily be in their shoes. Giving to others not only blesses them, but it also blesses us; who doesn’t feel good when they have helped someone less fortunate?
To learn more about how you can join Mary & Martha in providing nutrition, education, medical care, spiritual support, and other needs for children in Tanzania, please click below.
| Mary & Martha Partnership with Compassion International |
Praise God
Praising God is a great way to enter into and experience the joy of His presence. In fact, the Bible says that He inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). Recalling all that God has done for you, and praising Him for it, will definitely help you experience joy in your life.
What are some of your favorite praise and worship songs? Listening to them regularly has additional health benefits according to this research.
Help Others
It is great to have dreams and goals for ourselves. Our goals, however, should always include a greater good or it will not be fulfilling in the long run. How do your goals benefit others? Everything we do should be for the glory of God and helping others definitely does that. When we allow God to use us to bless others, it advances His Kingdom and makes us a valuable member.
Take Time to Smell the Flowers
The world is full of beauty. Have you ever noticed the brilliant colors in a sunset? Those dazzling displays in Key West are unforgettable! Have you thought about just how many amazing animals there are: the graceful flamingos and swans; playful dolphins; adorable little ladybugs; beautiful butterflies… Or that there is a plant that actually eats animals (the Venus Flytrap)?! Or about how many delicious varieties of fruits there are for us to enjoy? Or all of the spices that we have to flavor our foods? Now think of Who intentionally created all of these wonders, and all for us to enjoy, and think of that each time you do.
Have Fun!
At the beginning of the pandemic, I resumed bike riding at the beach. There is nothing like riding a bike to make you feel like a kid again, except maybe sledding. When was the last time you went? Now that it is almost winter, I imagine sledding is a perfect way to experience some childlike joy!
“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
– Jesus (Mark 10:15 NKJV)
Relax
It is okay to not always be doing something productive. It is good to take some time being still. It is better to hear from God this way. He is the One who will help us make it in this world, but only if He can get some of our attention.
Furthermore, there is rest that comes from the peace of loving and obeying God and doing His will. The bottom line is to delight in God and His ways. His ways are good and being in His presence will bring you joy and all the benefits that come with it.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
– Jesus (Matthew 11:28 NKJV
Until next time,
Peace and joy to you!
Pin it!
Great tips! I notice what’s *not* on your list too. Things like shopping, indulging, gaining awards, wealth, etc. Sometimes we make the search for joy more complicated than it really is, and it’s simply found in God and knowing Him deeply. Thank you for this reminder!
Yes, true! Those things do not bring real joy. Thank you so much, and you are welcome! 🥰🤗
An excellent and much needed post.
Thank you! 🥰
Such a great reminder of how to find joy in our every day lifes ☺️. Simething we need now more than ever 🙏
Amen, so true! Thank you 🙏🏽😊
Test
These are good tips on how to experience joy specially spending time with Jesus and taking time to smell the flowers.
Liz
http://www.piecesofliz.com
Thank you, Liz. I totally agree; those two are my favorite suggestions, too. 😊
Such good ideas, especially just having fun 💘 During times like these, everyone needs that dose of happiness 🙂
I agree, we all need distractions from these difficult times. Thank you. 😊
[…] See Related: 7 Ways to Experience Joy in Your Everyday Life […]