What is the opposite of joy? Self-pity! And the problem with self-pity's character trait, toxicity—a poison that slowly chips away at true happiness and satisfaction. Do not let this harmful practice hammer away your joy. Question: Are you tired of being unhappy, disappointed, and gloomy in life and with others? If so, it's time to sincerely utilize the Wonderfully Weird Command of Christ known as "Rejoice!"
Jesus clearly expressed, "Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven… (Matthew 5:12a [KJV]). Rejoice is excitement through an attitude for what God is doing and allowing in life, no matter what. Understand, people can't hide their attitude. Let me recap what it is. Attitude is a general evaluation of people, ideas, things, or situations, and to evaluate is to judge something as good or bad. People generally act (judge) by their wrong or destructive mindset or attitude. A person is either wallowing in an attitude of scarcity and self-pity or rejoicing in God's abundant way of thinking. The goal, lean towards the latter attitude – "For the joy of the LORD is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10 [NIV).
Christians must choose and learn to cultivate an attitude based on how God made it to be if expected to be the light of the world, and this only happens through being with God and others in His power. Joyfulness or a rejoicing attitude is proof that God can fully satisfy the human heart and meet the needs of the soul—"You will make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11 [NIV]).
Rejoicing in the LORD has many rewards. For example, one significant benefit is health. It's a fact that various chemicals and hormones—dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, etc., are released in the body when joy is present. It is well-known that health increases when people are rejoicing in their reality; when health goes up, people experience the healthy "You" (see Proverbs 17:22). As mentioned early, another reward is power or strength, the exceptional strength God gave you to fulfill life's purpose. Another bonus is that a person's countenance or expression benefits others when they see an infectious lifestyle of joy. Understand joyfulness is a fountain of health for those who apply it and receive it in their soul. If you are joyful and rejoice properly, it brightens the world.
As many know, scripture contains many truths needing to be applied if one expects to rejoice appropriately. Here are a few insights to use to begin living and expressing joy consistently. (1) Give thanks! – 1 Thessalonians 2:19). (2) Sing! – Ephesians 5:18-19. (3) Seek understanding, togetherness, and good influence – Genesis 1:27-28). (4) Live and walk with integrity to express unconditional love – Matthew 22:38-40. When people apply these few things, they will undoubtedly have a better life where rejoicing happens whatever the circumstance or case may be.
With joy,
~ Pastor Drake