Not a Guest Blog: The Virtue of Joy

Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Dear Readers, good morning! I hope you all are well and I am praying for each and everyone of you, some of you by name as I've gotten to know you over the last several years.

In case you haven't been keeping score (and why would you, given you have other things to do), here are the virtues I've covered so far: Self-control, Patience, humility, and steadfastness (parts 1 and 2).

Also, in case you're wondering, I'll have two of these this month--first, because I forgot to leave a spot in February, and second, because a guest author had to cancel. I knew it would all work out!

Now, to joy...I wish you joy!

Joy is that indescribable feeling of happiness, not based on some temporary cause (even though we can use these to help us when we're down), but relying on the firm promises of God.

Psalm 30:5: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

My psychologist hat really comes in handy here. I have been blessed to attend conferences and workshops on Positive Psychology, plus to teach the course for over a decade now. That class focuses on happiness and gives its adherents all sorts of tips for increasing your positive mood.

My #1 tip for happiness? Keep a journal and write down what works for you! Think of this list as a tool box you can open any time when you're not feeling great...here are some of mine--

1) My Bible, dig in, read, and let God comfort you and hold you under His wings,

2) My husband (hey, I married him so he is there for a hug and a listening ear, right?),

3) My children (they are grown-ups now, so see above, right?),

4) Friends (see above),

5) Family members (see above)--and note that 2 - 4 help strengthen those relationships-

-talk to them, they need to know you're there for them, too.

6) Outdoors--get outside, just sit, listen to the birds, hug a tree, smell some flowers, just

enjoy.

7) Youtube--put on some happy music and dance, watch kittens, go ahead, indulge.

8) Get a massage, or to save money, wash your feet, sit cross-legged on the floor, and

give your own feet a rub.

9) Indulge the senses--enjoy art, smell the flowers, touch the silk.

and 10) Not that ten is all there is, but I don't want to keep you forever. Practie gratitude!

Research shows that thinking about what you're grateful for helps lower blood pressure and makes you feel better--so write a list, every day!

God doesn't promise us easy lives, but He does promise joy. Just look around and pay attention to the small--and big--blessings in your lives.

Ah, and to end on the right note...please let me pray for us: Dear Lord, thank you for your Word. Help me to cling to You when things don't go well, and help me to also lean into your presence. You want us to feel a taste of the Joy to come. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 91:4: He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

Please share below different things that have brought you joy. Blessings, Christina