Life’s privileges are divinely prearranged. To have joy in one’s life is one of God’s gifts to mankind. Many go through life without really appreciating the privilege of joy. They may experience joy from time to time but fail to realize the value of its presence in their life.
Before we truly have understanding of the joy that God brings into our lives, we seek it in the gloomiest sectors of our earthly experience. From infancy we constantly look for things in life that brings us the most joy. As we grow, friendships, intimate relationships, and material possessions are often cherished as mirages that reflect our happiness or joy. They are merely faithless points of view that entangle us in sin.
To anyone who has attained them all, they will tell the world that none of these things can bring us lifelong joy. The wealthiest within a given society are plagued with tribulations caused by their wealth, making having wealth an encumbrance. Wealth then becomes a right or claim, which adversely affects its usage. Especially when it is used to buy loyalty, privilege, or love. The buyer soon realizes that loyalty, privilege, and love are temporary when part of an exchange. A transfer of goods or services is contingent upon a favor for a favor, (Quid pro quo).
Things that one has done in the past come back to sting or plague them in the future, adversely affecting their joy. The value of joy is not fully realized until our reality has been altered. That is why we must have an appreciation and understanding for the present moments that bring us joy; because there is always a slithering serpent lurking about to alter the reality of now. Stand for truth in the now, because being neutral is no longer an option. The only options remaining are the side of evil or good!
We come to realize that by our actions and deeds, we leave a record of our existence on earth. In spirit and in truth, our activities create a record reflective of the world based on time spent during a lifespan. Your record should show a life revealed in the best possible light.
God, through His Word, can unseal our understanding. Once we have our understanding unsealed, we find a place to live peacefully in harmony with God, mankind, and ourselves. This harmony can only be found in God and He is the only one who can open our understanding. Pray for the gift of understanding, for a mindset of calm, peace, and spiritual serenity, is a place where joy is found.
Psalm 94:19
New International Version
19 “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
Galatians 5:22
King James Version
22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”
Philippians 4:7
New International Version
7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Exodus 35:31
King James Version
31 “And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;”
Deuteronomy 4:6
New International Version
6 “Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” ”
Psalm 107:29
King James Version
29 “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.”
Mark 4:39
King James Version
39 “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”