Don't Worry... Be Joyful

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13

Recently I have been hearing radio spots from Kaiser Permanente that talk about how happy people are healthier people. They go on to suggest that doing nice things for others is what leads to happiness so they recommend doing random acts of kindness – like letting someone go ahead of you in line or paying the bridge toll for the person behind you. This all got me thinking if happiness makes us healthier what does joy do?

I have been taught that happiness is dependent on the circumstances we find ourselves in and how we “feel” about it. A change in circumstance and all of a sudden happiness is gone. On the other hand joy is a gift of God’s Holy Spirit – it is not dependent on circumstances but on relationship. When we trust in God He will daily fill us with joy even when we are not “feeling” it. I figure that if happiness is good for our health then joy must be even better.

Today and all this week for that matter do random acts of kindness – they will make you feel great and they will make the other person feel great too. In additional to all those good deeds seek to be filled with joy by spending time with God, by trusting Him, by putting your hope in Him. It will be like getting a double dose of everything that is good for your health – you’ll feel better physically, emotionally and spiritually. Don’t worry… be joyful.

A prayer
Father – Today my prayer is the same as Your servant Paul’s may You fill all who read this with joy and peace as they trust in you! May we overflow with hope by the power of Your Spirit. Thank you for joy even in the midst of our trials. In the name of Jesus our joy, Amen.