Joyfulness and Design

 Joyfulness vs. Self-Pity

Joyfulness is the bright spirit and radiant countenance that come by being in full fellowship with the Lord.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you; on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” —I Peter 4:12-14

            Self-pity and joyfulness are not determined by circumstances…they are determined by perspective.  A person could accept God’s design for their life, yet still feel self-pity, because of a twisted concept of destiny.  Unless a person understands the character of God—that He loves us and wants what is best for us—he may pity the fact that he cannot change the way he was created.  Furthermore, if a person has a proper love for Jesus and who He is, the focus will be on how He can be glorified and how we can please Him.  If our focus is on our own features and the way we are designed, a certain amount of self-pity is inevitable because there will always be someone we perceive to have better features than us.  It is important to remember, though, that God designed us the way we are for His glory, and the way He designed us will glorify Him in some way.  If our love for God is genuine, this fact will bring us joy, because the focus is not on us anymore, but on God.  An acronym that has been used thousands of times in Christian teachings about joy is clichéd, but remains true nonetheless.  Putting Jesus first, focusing on others afterwards, and thinking of ‘you’ last, is the best recipe for joy.  This little acronym: Jesus, Others, You, is still a good way to remember the best way to overcome self-pity.  Joyfulness is an inherent part of God’s design for us.  He desires for us to have joy, and it is one of the fruits of His spirit. (Galatians 5:22)  Following His commands and walking in His spirit will produce joy in our lives that cannot be obtained by anything else in this world.  Just like real peace is not the absence of conflict, but calmness despite conflict, real joy is not the absence of sadness, but happiness in and trust and peace in the midst of sadness.  Thank God for joy.