JOY PART 4

After discussing joy found at church and at home, we discussed how we give joy to others.  This Sunday, the discussion was on finding our joy again.  Like it or not, sometimes our joy disappears.  It can be because we are physically, emotionally, and mentally tired or life is beating us down or we have stepped off the path and out of the light.

What can we do to find our joy?

What is the first step?

It was no surprise that the first word was prayer followed by asking others to pray for you.  Having Christian brothers helped one man out of the valley.  Staying positive is a small first step.  Being around positive people and taking care of yourself is important.  Staying away from “Debbie Downer” is a must.

One woman informed the class that she works her way back to joy.  “I clean the house,” she said.  “Work helps keep my mind off my problems.  It redirects my thoughts.”  Every class member offered her the use of their home as therapy.

Depression can be a problem and will replace your joy with a very dark place.  When this happens, reach out for help and realize medication could be the only answer.  Do not be afraid to talk about depression, because you might be the answer to another person’s prayer.

What can stand in the way of finding our way back to joy?  FEAR!  Mark Twain said, “I’ve lived through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.”  Thinking the worst is a trick the devil uses.  Rushing into decisions or situations can stop us from finding joy.  Often, not admitting there is a problem or that you need to see a doctor keeps us from finding our joy.  Talking to the wrong person can lead us in the wrong direction. 

Which means talking to the right person can help.  One lady talks to the Pastor to make sure what she is thinking is Biblical and they pray.  When talking with others, make sure they will not judge you, are trustworthy, will listen, and not try to solve the problem for you.  If someone comes to you, actually hear them and do not reply with “stock” phrases.  Mainly, never forget, God can handle all we feel and fear.

A good point was made that the return of joy might not be instantaneous.  It took a bit of time to get into the valley and it will take a bit of time to climb out.  Also, all valleys are not deep and you cannot stay on a mountaintop forever. 

We closed by telling what we had gotten from the last four weeks.  Everyone realized they had more joy than they realized.  Laughter was at the top of the list and simple things.  We are not alone and tomorrow will start with the light of a new day.

TOP TWO ITEMS --- God and Light

When we have lost our joy, remember God wants us to be filled with joy and has surrounded us with ways to help us reclaim our joy.  Do not be afraid to talk to your minister or family or friends.  Talk to God.  Be patient.  Pray.  Joy is all around us and will be found again!  We just have to shine a light into the darkness.

The light calms our fears and shows the way out of the valleys. 

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.  Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say:  Here am I.     Isaiah 58:8-9

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”     John 8:12

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.  2Corinthians 4:6

BUT REMEMBER – a flashlight will not work.  It has to be the light of God!  So, pray, take the hand of a trusted advisor, and walk toward joy.  God has his light on the path.