There are times and seasons in life where we may not feel very joyful. However, in Scripture, the word joy is referenced 242 times. Joy is listed second in the fruit of the Spirit, after the word love.

A favourite verse of mine is, "The joy of the LORD is my strength," taken from the book of Nehemiah.

In the story, the Israelites were listening to the Word of the Lord, bowing down in worship with their faces to the ground. They were weeping as they listened to the reading. In Chapter 8, Nehemiah said to them: "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.' Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them."

It’s also important to discover what adds joy to your life and gives joy to others. I feel joyful when I’m involved in outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking and nature photography.

When I injure myself and must rest, does that alter my sense of joy? While it’s challenging to be joyful when one is in pain, it’s not impossible.

I’m filled with joy when I spend time with family, friends, or individuals with special needs. As the seasons of life change, and friends and family move or pass away, does my joy disappear? Though these changes are difficult, the Lord’s joy endures because I’ve learned the truth that the joy of the LORD is my strength!

After all, who wants to be around people who are constantly joyless… who are miserable, grouchy, negative, and gloomy?

How do we affect our world for Jesus or attract people if we are not joyful?

While it's true that we need to be authentic Christians, at times it may be necessary to dig deep within our spirits for positivity even when we don’t feel like it. I know that goes against the grain, but I always use the saying ... do the right thing and the feelings will follow. Fake smiles often turn into real smiles because smiling encourages others, and that’s a beautiful thing.

We need to prime the pump of joy! Spending time with our Lord and giving to others will prime that pump. Our joy comes from Jesus! He loves us, He chose us, He has forgiven us, and He gives us His Holy Spirit who infuses us with joy that bubbles over!

After jotting down these thoughts, I opened to my regular daily devotional reading, and the focus verse was: "The LORD, their God, will save His people on that day, as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in His land like jewels in a crown. How attractive and beautiful they will be." Zechariah 9:16-17a

May we all sparkle with the joy of the LORD!

Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.