Finding Joy that Lasts

"Joy" is a powerful fruit of the spirit. In fact, the joy of the Lord is our strength.  When our joy is rooted in relationship with Christ (not our circumstances), we overcome life's difficulties by remaining confident in God’s heart to work all things for good.

So how do we cultivate the fruit of lasting joy? Joy is produced in the soil of gratitude and praise. Thanksgiving and worship are keys to joy. We manifest a joyful spirit when our primary focus is God and His blessings.

The trouble is few of us take time to reflect on the "goodness" of the Lord. We fail to let his praise be continually on our lips.  Instead, we are too busy complaining about everything we don't like. This produces the fruits of bitterness, depression and negativity - not joy!

No matter what we are going through in life, there is always a reason for thanksgiving. Everyday offers a multitude of opportunities to thank God and praise Him for His goodness. If we look for them, we will find them.

The following exercises can help you cultivate "an attitude of gratitude and praise". Have a trusted family member, friend, or leader hold you accountable for your progress. Soon you will find it natural to live in unshakeable joy.

1. For one week - track the number of times you complain, whine or argue with God about your circumstances. This will help you see just how much negativity influences you. Repent and make a decision to praise God instead.

2. Train yourself to speak praise to God when tempted to complain instead. Invite Him to open your eyes to see things from a new perspective.

3. Create a "thanksgiving list". Every night journal a minimum of 10 things you are thankful for - do not repeat anything on your list.

4. Practice expressing gratitude to others throughout the day. Do not take another’s kindness for granted.

5. Think about 3 people who have had a positive impact on your life - write them each a detailed letter of appreciation.

6. Reflect upon a difficult circumstance in your past - journal how God has been able to bring good about as a result.

7. Tape up poster board in a common area of your home - invite others to write something they are thankful for on the board. See how many you can list as a family.

8. Share a personal testimony of God's goodness with others.

9. Write a song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.

10. Memorize and meditate on Scriptures concerning thanksgiving and praise.