Gratitude Releases Joy

Excerpted from Keys to Joy: How to Unlock God’s Gift of Lasting Happiness

Did you know that the Bible never commands us to feel grateful? God knows that our feelings follow our actions. He tells us to give thanks, knowing that as we do this we will begin to feel thankful if we continue to do so.

Like worship, gratitude has a special connection to joy. A godly response when we’re joyful is to express gratitude to the Lord for His goodness. So joy often creates gratitude. But the opposite is also true—gratitude generates joy. The second truth, that gratitude brings joy, is difficult to grasp and even more difficult to practice in our lives.

Gratitude is the key that releases joy in our lives. I don’t completely understand why. When we give God thanks, He gives us joy. Gratitude opens a wonderful pipeline to God. When our thanks are lifted up to Him, He pours down joy. It’s an easy principle to forget. When situations snatch away our joy, we feel like doing anything except thanking God—but that’s exactly what we need to do.

To be filled with joy, where should our focus be?

Psalm 126:2-3 (also Joel 2:21)

Acts 14:17

Hebrews 12:2

For what should we thank God?

Matthew 14:19

John 11:41

2 Corinthians 2:14; 9:15

1 Timothy 1:12

Challenge:  List other things we should thank God for, with Scriptures, if possible.

Evelyn Sherwood, Wife, mother, grandmother and pastor’s wife says about Keys to Joy

Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit which I find so challenging to allow to grow in my life, especially during times of uncertainty and pain. Guilt and condemnation seem to follow during these difficult times. With much hope, Gaylyn and Ken, share not only their personal struggles on their journey to joy, but practical steps to allow joy to flourish in even the most challenging times.

Blessings on you as you get to know God in new ways,

Gaylyn Williams, Author of 2031 Names of God: Transform Your Life as You Get to Know God in New Ways

Co-author of Never Do Fundraising Again: A Paradigm Shift from Donors to Lifelong Partners. This is a great resource for any missionaries, short-term or long-term, who have to raise their support. Consider getting it for yourself or as a gift for other missionaries you know or support!

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