Real Help

Everyone has days when they need more joy to embrace the life God has given them. In fact, some of Paul’s final words of encouragement included the command, “Always be joyful” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). If you need to give your day a shot of joy, here are five ways to do it.

1. Add More Joy by Remembering Your Inheritance

   Romans 8:17 calls us “joint-heirs with Christ.” Every resource that the Father bestowed on Jesus also belongs to you. So everything you need for your day is available to you. Hebrews 4:16 says that you can “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

2. Add More Joy by Focusing on God’s Priorities

   God’s Word encourages you to “seek the kingdom of God” and His way of doing things first (Matthew 6:33) and “set your mind what is above” (Colossians 3:2). Don’t let the concerns of this world consume your mind. Instead, focus on God and His ability to meet every one of your needs.

3. Add More Joy by Resisting Conflict

   Instead of giving in to conflict by yelling at that bad driver who cut you off on the way to work, joining in on the water cooler gossip about a difficult coworker, or fuming over an inconsiderate neighbour, choose to be a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9). Refuse to be drawn in to petty squabbles or to demand your own way at every turn.

4. Add More Joy by Remaining Thankful

   Ephesians 5:3-4 says, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks” (KJV). If your focus is on being thankful to God for the good things in your life, then the words you speak are going to be more uplifting—and the result is more joy for you.

5. Add More Joy by Caring for Your Body

   The Word refers to your body as the “temple of the Holy Spirit,” and as such, it should be respected. That means you need proper sleep (7-9 hours), nutrition (limit processed food, sodas and caffeine) and exercise (30 minutes, 5 days a week). All of these things affect your mood and a lack of any of them can result in feelings of discouragement and irritability.

If you want to add more joy to your day, then begin to put these things into practice—remember your inheritance, focus on God’s priorities, resist conflict, remain thankful and care for your physical body. Doing so will help to increase your joy, improve your sense of well-being and face your day with a positive outlook, ready to be about your Father’s business!