Having Joy

Night after night, a couple argues in disagreement. The children view them at odds with one another as they prepare for bed. The night falls and the children are tucked in bed. As the sun rises they are not greeted by their father for the parents are no longer one, but two.

Many years pass and the children grow as adults and they all spiral out of control when things are out of order. These children whom are now adults don’t understand why they have so much anger inside.

The mind can be tricky. Our mind is compiled with thoughts that are negative and positive. At times those past thoughts can have control over our present reactions. In the book of Romans it speaks of how our mind can divide us from God. “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be” (Romans 8:7).

Having control over yourself, denying the impulse to satisfy your human nature is a requirement; if you are serious about reframing from sin.

I imagine these children never fathomed why the smallest thing would cause them to tick. They never tapped into the root of why they are instilled with such anger and remain clueless to their mannerism.

I propose that the stem of their anger is from the divorce of their parents. The last impression they had of their parents together was of them arguing with each other. It is normal for them to respond to things in a hostile manner because it’s the most vivid illustration they have upon the laying of their foundation. These adults are consumed with a carnal mind and can’t see were their joy comes from.

Joy is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is often times confused with happiness. However, it is the source of happiness. Joy is a strength which comes from the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10). Having joy is being supremely blessed by the Father.

Perhaps you have walked with joy in the midst of struggles. Possibly you were able to control yourself because you recognized your joy came from the Lord and not past experiences.

Do you have experiences from the past that you never resolved? How do you respond when reminded of it? Can you recognize that you are being controlled by the past?

Consider evaluating the carnality of your mind. Pray to God to bring the things which make you tick to the light. Ask the Father to help you grab a hold of yourself so you can control your emotions. As you examine yourself, request for the Spirit to lead you, so you may walk in love, peace, in addition to joy.