Joyful

When a word jumps out of scripture, I like to look it up on www.dictionary.com. I have studied the difference between joy and happiness over the years. Dr. Warren W. Wiersbeis the first one I heard say that joy is the “thermostat” – it sets the temperature (mood) of the room, while happiness is the “thermometer” simple measures the temperature (mood) of the room. Dr. Wiersbe authored a book called “Be Joyful – a study in Philippians” that really blessed me many years ago.

I have recently began reading for the second time a book called “The Energy Bus”by Jon Gordon.In this book Jon speaks of the power of being positive and I think it’s a short distance to being positive and being joyful. Being joyful is a decision each day and in each circumstance I face. I can choose to be joyful in struggle and suffering or I can choose to be angry and bitter. Choosing angry and bitter usually keeps me stuck in the midst of the struggle or in the midst of suffering. Choosing to be joyful is to put the struggle or suffering in perspective and I find the energy and power to push through.  Check this out….

¹ How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
    all who follow his ways!
² You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
    How joyful and prosperous you will be! (Psalm 128:1-2 NLT)

The joy that I have comes from my journey with the Lord. I choose to trust Him. I choose to listen to Him speak through His Word. I choose to believe in Him. I choose to follow Him. I ask the Lord each day to bless my work and my business. I want to honor Him with my work. I want to be prosperous in order to honor Him. I believe that the Lord wants me to love like He loves and give like He gives. I believe that the Lord wants me to respect and follow Him every day in every way. That is my goal for this day – to respect and trust (aka fear) the Lord and follow His ways. I want to be joyful and prosperous today!

Pressing On!

Dwayne