Be Joyful!

God, for some reason, has wired me with a goofy sense of humor. I love to laugh and make others laugh as well. My kids say that I really crack myself up! They are right, It can be quite embarrassing when I'm driving down the road and I think of something funny that causes me to laugh uncontrollably! It's even worse when the top is off my car!! To keep from appearing to be completely nuts, I pick up my phone and pretend to be amused by someone on the other end of the line LOL!

I think many of us take ourselves and life in general, way too seriously. I have a brother that can find humor in any circumstance. He would take his twin for his cancer treatments and kept him laughing through what should have been the most difficult time of his life. He's formed wonderful memories instead of negative ones. Sometimes it's just a choice we make, choosing to look for the good in every situation and praising God no matter the circumstances. Though life is filled with trials and battles...WE WIN! The knowledge of that alone should give you joy!

It's a very serious thing seeking and serving God, but it can also be very fun and exciting!! I love seeing the humor in the strategic ways God designs each interaction and experience in our lives. It's amazing to watch as He takes situations that should have destroyed us and turns them into life changing lessons, blessings, and a testimony! I can't tell you how often I say, "God... You are so funny!!" He is so amazing!! He has offered us joy, but the interesting thing is, it's not just for when things are funny, or our circumstances are perfect. It's a deep-rooted abiding joy...a mixture of happiness, appreciation and immovable peace that remains in our soul regardless of the current situation. That can only be achieved by knowing the God you serve. I don't mean we'll ever truly understand all the intricacies of God, but joy is experienced in the relationship, as you truly understand just how much He loves you and desires the best for you.

Peace and joy are biproducts of faith. As you begin to get an understanding of just how special you are to Him, you can turn your problems over and trust that He'll work it out in your favor. That's when your joy will be full and complete. So, enjoy your life and look for the humor as you pursue the true source of your fulfilment...JESUS!!

Psalm 5:11 (NKJV) But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.

Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV) For the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV) A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Jude 1:24-25 (NKJV) Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

1 Peter 1:6-9 (NKJV) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.