Joy Refined - Hope Filled Women

We have looked at the definition of Joy. Joy is a gift from the God who loves us. Joy does not exist apart from Him.

Let us now look at how we can refine the gift of joy God has given us. We need to put on the brakes and realize that Jesus is the source of our joy, not our circumstances. It is through rough waters that we get sidetracked. We begin to believe that we can do something to get the joy we crave. We cannot do anything because joy only comes from God and no situation of life can make our life joyful. We must remember to place out confidence in the God of joy – Jesus.

It’s easy to get off course when our life takes a turn we didn’t see coming. That turn may be a loss, a reversal or anything that takes our eyes off the Lord. Like Peter, we begin to look around at the storm that is raging and allow fear to set in with all the things we image may happen to us. We need to get our focus back on the Source of our joy. Don’t lose sight of Him. Jesus is greater than everything!

Relinquish control of your life to the Lord as He surrendered His life to the Father on your behalf. Surrender because Jesus is in control. Surrender or sanctification is an on-going, continuous process in the life of the believer as you grow in faith. The sanctification process is not always easy and is sometimes painful, but it is always hopeful in light of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Having consistent joy does not mean we are happy about the difficulties that come our way but we have joy because Jesus is our hope in every situation.

Refining our joy is a slow forward-moving process, but it is moving forward even when it doesn’t seem so. God uses the calm, slow-moving waters to teach us and lead us and to give us rest and peace.

So, rest in the process. Stay focused on the Source of joy. Fill your heart with His word. Engage with God in prayer. It is there that you will find true joy.