Guest post by Author Nancy Lewis-Shelton
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong in Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the spirit (Galatians 5:22-25 NIV).
I know people who always possess joy, an inner happiness not dependent on outward circumtances. They delight in their relationships, are happy when they do a job well, and have positive attitudes. However, my joy is sometimes fleeting. During periods of strife or fear, how does one maintain a joyful life? Having a positive outlook helps, but, I can become critical and pessimistic. As I pondered these thoughts, I determined that perhaps being thankful helps one to lead a joyful life.
Thankfulness can be demonstrated in many ways – through prayers, kind words, daily actions, and even songs. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7 NIV) Recently, I stood in a school office, waiting for the secretary to return. A large plaque on a desk said, “Every day there is something to be thankful for.” While I waited, I read other posted messages. All expressed positive thoughts with many of them related to gratitude. What a wonderful display for all the children and adults who waited in that room. It was a simple way to provide encouragement. I pondered how I could do more to promote thankfulness and positive thoughts in myself and others.
The book of Romans tells us that when we live for the Lord, we’ll find joy in Him. Although, everyone will have trials and concerns. God wants us to have a joy-filled life. The words joy, joyful, rejoice, praise, celebrate, and thankfulness appear many times in the Bible. If we allow it, God will use us to lead other believers nearer to Him and closer to joy and peace.
I am aware that peace and joy are not dependent on my circumstances but on the promises of God. My earthly journey awaits an eternal life. I will have confidence in what I hope for and assurance about what I do not see. In the meantime, I reread my last year’s journal entries, vowing to express more gratitude in my writing and in daily prayers.
Thought: The Christian walk requires us to be filled with the spirit. Christians achieve this through listening, encouraging, honoring, respecting, and loving each other. That results in each of us becoming more positive, joyful, and thankful people.
Nancy Lewis-Shelton retired from public education after years as a classroom teacher and school counselor. Published work includes devotionals and fiction/non-fiction short stories for adults and children. Recent publications include two fiction novellas about Cookie, a pet sitter. Volunteer activities include: church senior choir, elementary school Reading Buddy (Council of Churches), and a local oral storytelling group. When she’s not writing or volunteering, you might find her digging in the garden, playing bridge, reading, enjoying events with her daughter’s family, or participating in activities with her pet therapy dog, Robin.