Freelance Writer  Lupie Riley 

Thought:  How can we experience joy in this world were living in?  All around us we see our freedoms taken over by a dictatorship type of government that tells us where we can go, what we can do and how to live our lives.  We see our children being indoctrinated into things that go against our faith.  Each day we see God taken out of every area of our life.  It’s not a world we can live happy in…or is it.? 

There is a way we can experience hope, joy, peace, and happiness.  Paul had a tumultuous life during his ministry, but he still was able to maintain stability and contentment (I Tim 6:6-12).  Spiritual joy goes deeper.  It’s an expression of God’s goodness.  The basis of that joy is God’s presence in our lives (Psalms 16:11).  Hope, joy and peace are all in the same package.  If you have one, you have all.  Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

Choosing joy means letting go of things you can’t control.  It means having compassion for others with all their strengths and weaknesses.  Choosing joy means forgiving others and yourself. Here are 10 steps to increase your joy.

1. Be with others who make you smile
2. Hold on to your values
3. Accept the good
4. Imagine the best
5. Do things you love
6. Find purpose
7. Listen to your heart
8. Push yourself, not others
9. Be open to change
10. Enjoy simple pleasures

MOST IMPORTANT:  Be aware of God’s constant presence in your life.  He is the key to fulfilling all the above.  If you haven’t made that decision to invite Jesus into your life, do it today.

Prayer:  Father God, I can have that kind of spiritual joy through my trust in you for everyday living, no matter what it brings.  You promise to never leave me and there is nothing that would happen to me that you would not be there for me.

Verse:  Prov. 2:6-10  “ For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding.  He grants good sense to the godly…his saints.  He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway.  He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decisions every time.  For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being filling your life with JOY.”

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com