I was watching a Ken Davis stand up comedy video the other day. You can find the full program here: https://youtu.be/ZuBq4xfvkOs Ken made remarks how Christians can come off as grumpy. How churches should be full with people wondering what's different about those Christians that they are so happy all the time.
Now let's get some things straight right away; I don't believe in the "prosperity gospel" God promises in his word we will have trouble, so to believe otherwise is against scripture certainly God gives his children good gifts but don't be fooled into thinking God only gives prosperity there are also times of trouble if you need an example read Job.
Next there are differences in joy and happiness, happiness is a feeling like when you get a present, or find money, it can also be fleeting because once the feeling wears off it's back to normal.
So what is joy? The world would tell us it's a deeper happiness but how does God define joy? Joy is a spiritual emotion, Joy comes when we contemplate how incredible our undeserved salvation is. How could a holy, just, and perfect God; love me in my miserable mess and choose to make the ultimate sacrifice? Knowing I can never come close to repaying Him. WOW! Something deep in my heart stirs at that thought, something makes me want to cry out God you are AWESOME! and praise him. Not because my bills are paid, not because I have a wonderful life, not because of anything else, but simply because he is worthy of all praise and honor.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes I forget how great I have it. I get bogged down with the cares of this world and I probably look like that Christian that swallowed a profusely sweating toad. I have to remind myself 1. This is not my home don't get too attached to this world. 2. You have no reason you can't be joyful, because even if you faced death and persecution your joy is still secure.
I hope this speaks to your heart as it has mine. Remember put God first and everything else will be what it is.
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