The Secret to Joy
When I was a little girl, my grandma taught me the song “I got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart!” I would sing it back, knowing that God gave joy to my heart. How much did I really know God’s joy? Hardly at all compared to what I know now. There is a secret key to always having happiness and joy down in your heart. It’s more than just a choice or attitude adjustment, and it’s not hard to do. So what is this secret to everlasting joy?
Having a heart of praise.
That’s right– praise God! In my church I have made some awesome and joyful friends, both young and old, and they all have one thing in common: praise is always on their lips.
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1 KJV).
When you develop a heart of praise, it’s impossible to feel hopeless and depressed. It’s not that you will never feel sad or lonely or upset, but you know that God is always there listening to you and loving you more than anyone ever could. It’s knowing that there is hope for the future, and that God works out everything for our good and His glory in the end.
Life here on Earth has suffering. That’s a consequence of sin and the worldly influence around us. But no matter what happens or how bleak your circumstances are remember this: Jesus, God’s one and only Son, died an innocent death and shed His blood so you could have eternal life with His father. He loves you so much He gave His own life so you could be adopted into royalty!
When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me (Psalm 27:10 NKJV).
God is your heavenly Father and always will be! So give Him your praise all day long. You don’t have to do anything special or interrupt important activities (unless God is tugging at your heart to do so). Just turn your thoughts to praise of all that the Lord has done for you. Mutter under your breath how glorious He is.
My favorite way to give praise to the Lord is to sing or hum to Him songs of worship and praise. Grandma got it right– there is something about singing that just lifts you up.There are Christian radio stations and albums, as well as the songs you sing at church to help foster praise. I believe that singing out to God is like sending Him a love letter. It also moves us and gets us in tune with the Holy Spirit. I’ve noticed a lot lately that if I am singing songs of praise and giving thanks for all God has done for me and all that He is, then my heart really does have joy!
How do you give God praise? Please comment below 🙂
Love, Emily <3
