“I BRING YOU GREAT JOY”
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10)
When Jesus came to Earth, He brought great joy with Him. "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:11-12). Great joy comes in loving God and loving others.
I would like to talk to you about happiness that will in turn add to your joy. Happiness is a decision you make, not just an emotion you feel. When you get up in the morning, you can choose to be happy and enjoy that day, or you can choose to be unhappy and have a bad day.
Many people live their lives in constant turmoil and confusion. It is extremely important that we know how to live a life of peace and joy. These are the gifts that Jesus left us. They are also called the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Happiness is not always displayed in the same way by everyone. God has given each of us different personalities. Some people have a bubbly personality that shows when they are happy and when they are not. But other people are more reserve and even shy and they may not always demonstrate their happiness by laughing or smiling. But we should all learn how to smile more and laugh more. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). Both the Bible and behavioral science research both remind us of the good health we can receive if we live a happy life. As Christians, with the Holy Spirit in us, we have the potential to have great joy both inward and outward.
To be happy you need to learn how to live one day at a time. By an act of your will, you need to choose to forget about yesterday and tomorrow and think about today. You have to forgive others for their mistakes as well as yourself. You have to choose to be happy and receive that great joy that God has sent through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Life is too short not to enjoy every single day. “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalms 118:24) Learn to enjoy your family, your friends, your health, your work, your church, and everything God gives you. Maybe it has been a long time since you have had that great joy. Pray this prayer every day until an answer comes. “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.” (Psalms 51:12-13). Remember the source of great joy is from the Lord. It has been brought down to you for you to receive as a gift from Heaven.
To be happy you need to learn not to let life’s little things get you upset. Normally, it is not the big things in life that get us upset, but more often it is the little things that turn up becoming big things. When negative things happen to us, no matter how much we rant and rave, it’s not going to change anything. No matter how much we murmur and complain, it’s not going to make anything better. You can decide not to let little things get the best of you. You can also decide to follow this great advice from God’s Word.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).
To be happy don’t wait on some event or person to make you happy. Big events will not keep you happy. People cannot keep you happy. Having the right relationship and fellowship with the Lord can make you happy: “For the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10).
To be happy, learn how to be content with where you are in your life today. If you will make the decision to stay faithful and be content, at the right time God will change your circumstances. The Bible says: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6) “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11). You may have some obstacles today, but some people would give anything in the world to have your life. We should stop emphasizing what is wrong and start thanking God for what is right. Be thankful and mindful of the things that God has already given you. Have a grateful attitude. Learn to be happy in spite of your present circumstances. You have a lot to be happy about. One of those things is your future in Heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ. “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20 ).
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom on how to look at your life as someone who has been blessed and is being blessed every day. If you are always discontented, something is wrong. If you get up each morning dreading your day, you need to ask the Lord to change your attitude. Make a choice to be glad and joyful. “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (Psalms 32:11)
To be happy, understand that God has your best interests in mind as you go through trials and difficulties. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way.” (Psalms 37:23) There is a reason why you are where you are and God will direct your steps until he leads you through the valley. Remember change is by steps, not giant leaps.
If you will apply some or all of these principles to your life during this season of the year, you will have a “Merry Christmas”, regardless of what you have or don’t have. “If you know these things, happy are you if ye do them.” (John 13:17)
