How do you guys maintain joy?

Is Antipas taken?97 · May 23, 2019

Is Antipas taken?97 · May 23, 2019

This has probably been the most encouraging comment, thank you. Do you know any commendable writings? I was planning to try reading through John Bunyon and a book on the desert fathers, but not sure where to find testimonies.

Ken Rank · May 23, 2019

The answer is simplistic but true... stay away from the pendulums. Don't get so zealous over a new understanding or experience that you take a ride so far to one side that you can no longer see the other. Try to find middle ground and walk there... experiencing, learning, growing, but without tangents that only end up with let downs.

Tony Ramirez · May 23, 2019

I still struggle with my faith and find it very hard some days but though God and fellowship I am pushing through. It is the enemy that wants me to give so I tell him to "Go take a hike" that "Jesus died and came back to life for all my sins and shortcomings".

dqhall · May 23, 2019

If you see a homeless person and you buy food for the person and tell the homeless person you are helping because that is what Jesus taught, you might have a better chance. Remember Jesus' testimony about the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). If you keep trying to help the poor and seek God's guidance, you might find joy. Christ's 'Sermon on the Mount' and the Gospel of John may be of use to you.

Chris V++ · May 23, 2019

Oh that's great advice! Some work ourselves up into near mania. But what goes up...

Yarddog · May 23, 2019

It takes time to learn how to walk in the Spirit. Most new Christians are euphoric at first and many crash, mostly because they try running before they learn to walk.

Always remember, God is your Father, and like every good Father he wants you to come to him with your problems and your joys. Don't be afraid to share everything with God. He is listening but it takes time to learn how to hear his will.

Don't give up. Keep talking.

God bless

Grip Docility · May 23, 2019

@Is Antipas taken?97

John 5:39-40

Jesus is our only hope! You’re at your lowest right now!

Congratulations... Your on the flat of your back looking up at God.

We Mess up! It takes eons for most to admit this! You just expressed (Confessed) your pain and sin, and guess what... You’re COVERED!

Think of “Footsteps” the poem.

We are evil... Jesus said it!
Only God is Good... said the GoOD shepherd.
(He He... I spelled Good that way on purpose)

What this means is that you are at full repentance and ready to have a good cry by surrendering that you can’t even help Jesus Save you! You can now say, with all ASSURANCE that it’s His Love that saves you, His Righteousness that saves you... His Promises that save you.

Read this and believe it with all your Heaven Bound Heart And Some Joy should rush in.

All Love in Jesus to you.

Maria Billingsley · May 23, 2019

God is testing you. The main fruit of a Spirit filled Christian is "staying the course". Jesus Christ of Nazareth said nothing about Joy as a flesh driven feeling, He said Joy , that the Savior has come to release the bondage of sin on all humanity. He said it was a narrow gate to salvation and few will find it . He said persecution will follow and that you will be hated. Does this sound like Joy so far? No it does not however it does mean that living a Christian life is as hard as it is easy. The bitter sweetness. Do a through study on this, it will help you grow in your walk as you become a more mature and wisdom filled Christian.
Blessings

lsume · May 23, 2019

You might want to read Psalms 73. In that particular Psalm, the author wasn’t aware of the reality of The GodHead until The Good Lord ushered him into the congregation. Your obedience is a measure of your faith. Without faith we cannot please God. Also;

Matt.10

[28] And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Luke.1

[50] And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Luke.12

[5] But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Rev.19

[5] And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

All you can do is try to be as obedient as you can be praying always for God’s Will in your life.

Ronald · May 23, 2019

Maybe you missed something?
Did your old self die? Your old ways have to be crucified with Christ. Being a new born again believer in Christ means just that. You are sanctified, set apart from sin and the worldly ways. Your spiritual transformation happens instantly, however you still have the flesh. It is this dual nature that wars against eachother. Sin still dwells in the members of our flesh and so even though God cleanses your spirit, there is a sanctification process, a growth process, where the Holy Spirit transforms you into the likeness of Christ.
You dont instantly become a loving, unselfish giver. It takes time, practice. Look at yourself in the mirror honestly and mortify those old bad habits that some of us stubbornly hold unto.
Really, its our selfishness, a "whats in it for me" attitude that we were accustomed to, that our flesh still seekds.
This could be what your waiting for, some blessing of joy to blanket you? The closer you get to Christ as you seek Him, your faith will grow, your worldy ways lessen and as you participate in and are obedient towards God's Word and plan for your life, you will feel more loved, more secure, less depressed, less worried and joyful. Focus on things above, not things below.
Finally, one thing I've noticed in life is that some folks are joyful, some serious and less joyful and some depressed - even though they believe in Christ. I've discovered that the happiest people are those who are UNSELFISH. THEY ARE THE GIVERS, SERVANTS, LOVING OTHERS, THINKING OF OTHERS FIRST BEFORE THEMSELVES.
I also have known Christians that never reach that plateau, because they are stuck in the receiving mode.
Give and it will be given to you. If you give with an eye dropper, dont expect much back.
What you sow is what you reap. Give out love and you will get it back.
Remember, we are given eternal life, and will soon be receiving new bodies and rewards in heaven beyond what the world can offer. So whats worth holding on to?

mukk_in · May 23, 2019

"The joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10)." This was when I was starving a few decades ago as a poor graduate student. Peace in Christ.

Danielwright2311 · May 23, 2019

Joy is given from God, it is a gift, a chemical release from your body that unless medicated, its hard to get.

I am not on medication, and I fell joy when the lord gives it to me to fill.

Praising the lord will bring the holy spirit to you and fill you with joy.

Peter J Barban · May 24, 2019

Here are 5 Bible verses that I encourage you to memorize and meditate on them:

5 Blessed Assurances

1. Assurance of Salvation: 1 John 5:11,12

And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

2. Assurance of Answered Prayer: John 16:24

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

3. Assurance of Victory: 1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

4. Assurance of Forgiveness: 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

5. Assurance of Guidance: Proverbs 3:5,6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

NW82 · May 24, 2019

I experience the same sort of thing. I wasn't born with a silver spoon. I've believed since I was 11, I'm 37 now, and this is something I still can't figure out. So many people have great lives, believers and non believers, and I'm constantly struggling to find joy. I know God loves me, but I've come to the conclusion he just doesn't like me that much. Can't figure out what's so wrong with me that I don't rate the same treatment. Hope you find your joy...because I've given up.

Dave L · May 24, 2019

This works for me. It keeps me happy and blows away depression. It also gets rid of sin before it can fully develop.

Here's my approach to walking in the Spirit.

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:5) (KJV 1900)

We censor every impure thought or imagination. And change the channel in our thinking on any thought that does not conform to obedience to Christ.

And we replace it with:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Knowing Jesus is God and God is love. So Jesus is lord of our lives when love rules our thoughts and actions.

readywriter · May 24, 2019

Hello there,

I can empathize with you.

I was made aware of my need of a Saviour, at the age of 12 years, I am now 70 yrs of age. So I have a long retrospective view. What you are going through is one that I went through too. It is teaching you to trust God, and put no reliance upon the flesh. It was a difficult time, but I remember the breakthrough, and there is a milestone in my memory that marks it.

God is working in you, and preparing you for what you have before you. You need to be equipped, and He is doing that. All you have to do is trust, and not lean to your own understanding. Don't look within, don't look at, or compare your progress with that of another. Trust, and don't be afraid. Praise God for what you know to be true of Him, because you have read it in His word, not because you feel it, or experience it. Thank Him for the strength and resources He has placed at your disposal, for He has told you in His Word that He has, and then draw on them by faith, by stepping out by faith in His Word to you as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Read Ephesians chapter one, and look at all that has been accomplished for you, in Christ Jesus. Learn of Him, by reading His Word, and believe and acknowledge by faith all that you have read. Base your assurance and confidence in Him and His finished work, and trust Him to bring you through into His joy, in His time and in His way. Give thanks in all things and praise, praise and praise Him again. You are His workmanship, and He is a master craftsman - so trust Him. :wave:

You have been forgiven for all your sin, you have been accepted in the Beloved, the righteousness of God has been imputed to you, and you stand as one that is holy and without blame before God the Father, in Christ Jesus. You are complete in Him. You have been given the spirit of sonship whereby you can call God, 'Father'. You have the hope of resurrection life in His beloved Son. So rejoice and be exceeding glad.

With love in Christ Jesus
Our risen and glorified
Saviour, Lord and Head.
Chris

bmjackson · May 24, 2019

I am glad to have helped encourage you. John Bunyon is a great read. The man Christian (from the start) is not content with the wide path which leads many believers to destruction and who tell him that all is well and that it is his lack of faith causing the problem. But Christian has been given this longing inside by God who will fulfill the hunger and thirst for righteousness because He put it there and will come again to the cross but this time see what Christ achieved regarding the sin nature.

The desert fathers are good for reading too and many testimony's of the 'second blessing' from the Holiness Movement, some can be found in the enterhisrest site. They witness to the breaking down of our natural qualities so that the man who is on the narrow path will see the futility of trying to improve the flesh and will submit to the crucifixion of the old nature.

A few more are, Oswald Chambers, Jessie Penn-Lewis, and others from that revival period. Modern writers - no.

E1ouise · May 24, 2019

Hi Antipas, I'm in the exact same place you are: the wilderness. And you're *not* alone. You're the quintessential baby Christian. I studied for two years and was baptized in March and thought everything would just fall into place. And now I'm waiting and complaining about progress, joy, my purpose etc.
But I remember that even Jesus Himself wandered the desert and was tested - after His baptism. The Israelites of Exodus wandered the desert 40 yrs after being saved from slavery. David hid in the wilderness from Saul after he was anointed to be king, Joseph was a sold into slavery (& imprisoned) for years after being given dreams of ruling. You're in excellent company and precisely where you should be. You may be called to something later that requires patience and strength of faith. I was brought to this verse while whining to God:
"If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?" Jeremiah 12:5 NIV
How can we become mature Christians if we can't trust God's timing or trust that He's got a plan to get us where we need to go? How will we persevere in difficult times or reassure others if we can't handle periods of uncertainty?
It's tough for sure, but you wouldn't be going through this if God didn't intend to get you through it and use your conditioned strength of faith. In the meantime, I ,personally, am doing Bible studies, reading writings from Christian philosophers, and any groups/activities offered by my church in order to learn from those who have gone before. I also try to incorporate my hobbies into worship ie art devotional journaling, listening to Christian music while I work out etc There are a ton of resources out there to reassure us on our journey, granted most are targeted towards females (because we're awesome) but perhaps check out Pinterest for some verses on joy and write them out? Keep a journal and record prayers and responses, verses, quotes etc.
I know this is crazy long, but it's just because I totally relate, so most importantly don't feel alone or abandoned! You've God and the Church. You're most likely being refined and tested for a meaningful purpose in the future.
"So, Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:3-4

E1ouise · May 24, 2019

Jeremiah is known as the "Weeping Prophet" and Jesus Christ is known as "a man of sorrows." There's a book I recently read, "Spurgeon's Sorrows" by Zack Eswine, that speaks reassurance to Christians through the writings of "The Prince of Preachers," Charles Spurgeon, who suffered calamitous events and general melancholy/depression. I can't really think of anyone from the Bible who had a euphoric life. You're not alone. Jeremiah complained about this a lot! It's believed his sorrow reflected the sorrow God felt towards the Israelites for what was to come.

Gideons300 · May 24, 2019

Here is what I am understanding about joy, or any of the fruits of the Spirit.

Our job is not to grow fruit. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. For instance, how does one become more patient? Is there anything we can do to become patient? Nope. It is the same with joy.

Does this mean we are powerless to walk in joy? Or patience, or in love? Absolutely not. We do have a part in our bearing fruit. We are fruitful when we abide in Him. The Word tells us that if we abide in Him and His word abides in us, we WILL bear much fruit. What an amazing promise!

But that presents a conundrum for us, doesn't it? How exactly do we abide in Him? This is where we as the modern church have failed in our teachings. We teach about forgiveness, about grace, about mercy, and yes, God freely gives us all those things. But those do not insure our abiding in Him. How do we abide in Him? By faith. what wars against our faith? Sin. Our faith is like a sail on a sailboat. The sail does not move the boat, the wind does the work, right? But until we unfurl our sail of faith to catch the wind we go nowhere.

We start out as new believers with our sails full of the oower of the wind of God, His Holy Spirit. But when we sin, it is like taking a knife and cutting a tear in our sail. Yes, we can be forgiven if we repent and turn from our sin,
but new sins keep happening, and soon our sail is flaccid, and our boat stops moving.

So what is the solution? Sin must go. But heck, that presents a far bigger problem for us, doesn't it? How can we stop sinning when we have fallen natures? It is impossible.... unless..... unless we no long possess fallen natures. Whoa.

In Romans 6, we are told that we.... our old us...... died when Christ died Paul tells us that when Christ rose from the dead, So DID we. We are new creatures! But if that is the case, and it most definitely is, why do we not walk as new creatures with sin under our feet? Why are we not walking as overcomers, victorious over the world, the flesh and the devil? The Word tells us we are, but practically, it is simply not working for us.

Why? That is the real question. Why are we not walking with all the fruits of the Spirit abounding in our lives, joy included? Why does sin and our carnal nature still control us if we are dead to sin and alive to God?

It is easy. The answer is ..... are you ready? ......

""According to your faith be it unto you."

Do you remember when God said "... but it did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it."?

We are new creatures, brand new, with the power of sins both big and small broken over us. We have not only been forgiven but have been delivered from the POWER of darkness. But..... do we believe it?

Paul tells us in Romans 8 to yield ourselves to God. Okay. We try, but we fail more often than not, That is not abiding. Thus joy is absent. But we have missed the next part of Paul's admonition. He tells us HOW we are to yield ourselves to our Heavenly Father. We are to yield ourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead!

Your dilemma is not at all uncommon. It plagues most of our Christianity. But God has shown me that even now, we are being awakened to who we are .... and who we no longer are. From the day we were born again, we have been made new creatures. We have simply never truly understood how true it really is.

When we finally put on the whole armor of God He has provided.... brand new natures that not only do not want to sin, but also have the power to stop yielding to temptation, to actually reign victorious over our old selfish natures.... we will find that overcoming is our birthright, and that, praise God forevermore, joy will abound in our lives, along with all the other fruits of the Spirit.

It is time that we hoist our sails and catch the wind of the Spirit. He is about to move us like we never thought possible. The only question before us is..... will we truly believe our God?

Many blessings,

Gideon

How do you guys maintain joy?

Active Member

Active Member

Well-Known Member

Christian with Asperger's Syndrome

Well-Known Member

Associate Member

Senior Contributor

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Exhortations

Yankees Fan

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Newbie

Newbie

New Member

New Member

Our awakening is beginning. Prepare to be amazed.

Similar threads