How To Find Joy In A Broken World

The purpose of this article is to give you encouragement, hope, and hopefully some joy. In a world full of violence and destruction we can find joy and peace in our lives. Before we begin our journey into this topic I must clarify something. Happiness and joy are separate. They do not hold hands and walk down the yellow brick road together. Happiness is very temporary and situational. For example, I got paid last week and it made me happy and grateful, however within a few minutes someone said something to me that angered me. My happiness was only temporary. Joy on the other hand is something deep and long lasting. This is what most people are searching for but often mistake it for happiness. Joy can only be felt when a person is in a place of content in life. Joy has to occur supernaturally because our "humanness" better known as our flesh is always seeking more. Most of us are constantly trying to do more, make more, own more and be more. Joy makes a person feel whole and content with the possessions, pay, spouse, and your position in life.

You may be asking yourself, how do I find joy in this life? The answer is easier than you may think. There are 4 steps you can take today to start finding joy in your life. These steps take some time and discipline but consistency is the key. If you follow these steps daily, your eyes will be opened. One more thing, these steps require and open mind and heart. If you do not posess BOTH of these, then don't even bother.

Step 1: We are fallen. According to Romans 3:23 everyone has fallen short and we are ALL sinners. Every single human being past, present and future, except Christ are sinners. Sin is what separates us from God. With that in mind it's time to accept that fact and move to step 2.

Step 2: Accept Jesus as your savior right now. It's a free gift of mercy and grace. Jesus was sent to the earth take on the world's sins, past, present and future. All we have to do is believe that in our hearts and profess it publicly. When we do that we are no longer separated from God but have eternal life with Him in heaven! We're almost there so keep reading.

Step 3: Know and understand you are a work in progress. You will never be perfect and you do not know when God will take your life from this earth. Look at the small things around you and know God created them and is in control. Spend about 10-15 minutes per day alone with God and think about the good things you do have. It's easy for us to dwell on things we don't have. When we dwell on things we do have and give thanks, our attitudes will transform. Trust me, it's something that I have to do daily as well. When your attitude changes, you will begin to see your world changing.

Step 4: NEVER ever give up. Just because you become a believer in Christ doesn't mean things will get easy. Jesus never promised that. He actually promised things would be very difficult for those that love him, but he also promised he would endure our struggles with us if we let him. Satan will always try to disrupt our lives as much as he allowed, but know Jesus walks with us.

In conclusion, find joy in our lives can be difficult at times but it is possible. We have to read God's Word and rest on his promises. We must enjoy the small things in life. In fact, I challenge you to think of 10 things you are grateful for and why you are grateful for them and write it on paper. I even suggest sharing your list with someone close to you such as your spouse, friend, or family member then report back to me with your results.