Pursuing Joy

Pursuing Joy. This has been a topic that Tom and I have been thinking about a lot lately, particularly this year. How can one pursue joy?

Happiness is something everyone longs and looks for. We try to find happiness in our relationships, in our jobs, in our material possessions, in looking forward to the next holiday abroad . . . whatever it may be. The only trouble is, although all of these things bring happiness, it's only transient, and sooner or later, clouds come to rain on our joy.

And yet there are people who are joyful at all times, whatever their circumstances. No matter what trial they are going through, joy radiates through their lives.

This is something I've been meditating on, especially when I have felt 'trapped' in a job I don't particularly enjoy, or earlier this year when Tom was made redundant. But I've really been learning (although I'm not there yet!) about how to 'rejoice always'.

There's a verse in Philippians 4, which says: 'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!' (verse 4). As a Christian, I can always have that state of eternal joy because I have Jesus, and He is the source of all joy, and He's given me practical things to hold onto in my pursuit of joy:

1. Counting My Blessings

I mentioned I don't particularly enjoy my job. Honestly, I find it very monotonous and it can be hard-going listening to customers all day, especially when dealing with complaints. It's certainly not my dream job, but as hard and disheartening as it can be, I have no desire to dwell on the negatives, wallowing in how miserable I am in a job I'm not satisfied with. I am learning, however, that it's all about the mindset. Focusing on the negatives will certainly hold me back from feeling joy, but listing the positives will carry me through and help me to keep a joyful perspective in life. It starts from turning thoughts like: 'I really hate my job!' to 'I'm so thankful I have a job and I'm in work!' And then listing the positives and thanking God for those: 'I'm grateful that I have a job where I can work mostly from home.' 'I'm thankful I have a supportive manager.' 'I'm so glad I have a job where I receive a good wage and some great bonuses.'

2. Prayer

The times I have found hardest, have always been overcome through prayer. When I go to God and unburden my feelings to Him, sharing with Him how I feel and why, and asking for His guidance and help through the pain, He always has. I have truly found the promise of Jesus fulfilled in my life in this verse: 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.' (Matthew 11:28-30.)

3. Worship

It was such a privilege to watch my husband show such strength of character and know such peace, even when he received the news that he was being made redundant earlier this year (I'm pleased to say he now has a wonderful new job!). It's also been a blessing to see how joyful he has remained even when things have been difficult, at times, at work. His response has been: 'The joy of the Lord is my strength' (Nehemiah 8:10). Worship has been the key to this. When we're giving thanks to God and praising Him for Who He is, the focus shifts from us and our circumstances, and on to the Lord and His goodness. I've yet to remain feeling 'down in the dumps' when I turn to worshipping God, even if it's in my heart and not out loud.

It's all about a decision - the choice we make whether we are actually going to pursue joy or not. A lot of people wait for joy to find them, or look for it in the wrong things, but joy is something we have to pursue, and in the right places.

Although there are many things in life that bring happiness, these things all fade away, and investing in something that will bring lasting joy is what truly counts. Jesus, my Lord and Saviour Who gave His life for me and provides for me, is my ultimate joy and crown. He fills me with joy unspeakable. Sometimes, I need reminding to be joyful! But I find it always works when I take my eyes off me and my circumstances, look to Jesus and focus on Who He is and all the blessings in my life that He has given me. I have so much to be thankful for!

So let me encourage you to look for the blessings in your life. Train your mind to dwell on positive things rather than on the negative - take control of your thought life and don't let your thoughts control you. And pursue Jesus, for He is Joy Himself!