Where Is The Joy?

Bad seems to be everywhere- bad news, bad attitudes, bad outlooks, bad, bad, bad. If you are noticing this around you, it may be tempting to ask, “Where is the joy?” Negativity and dissatisfaction seem to be the moods of the day. However, there is still a remnant, a subset of the population, who are maintaining joy in the midst of trials. How does this small “band of merry men (and women)” do it?

The answer is simple- they are retaining their joy because they are thankful. In a day where many people seem to think that they are entitled to get everything they want, some people still consider themselves blessed in any and every circumstance, and they thank God for what they have rather than looking at what they lack.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, II Timothy 3:1-2 (KJV) emphasis mine

The Apostle Paul pointed out to Timothy that a lack of gratitude and thankfulness would characterize people in the last days. And when you lose your gratitude, you become dissatisfied, and you are definitely not joyful. Being thankful puts our eyes on God. It puts our focus on what we have been given. It turns our hearts away from greed, materialistic attitudes, and a sense of loss. When we spend our energies looking for the good things we have to be thankful for, we can ignore the voice of the enemy that tries to make us unhappy and always looking for more. Being grateful keeps our attitude right and enables us to be joyful at all times. Joy is directly tied to thankfulness.

If the joy is missing in your home, your workplace, or your own heart, start looking for things to thank God for. Express your gratitude to Him and share that sense of gratitude with those around you. It can be contagious. Share joy by sharing gratitude. When we’re all looking to God and thanking Him for Who He is and what He’s done, our outlooks will be brighter and joy will abound.

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (Amplified Bible, AMP)