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The Bible tells us to be thankful and content when our basic needs are met. 1 Timothy 6:8 “And having food and clothing let us be therewith content.” It is easy to focus so much on the things we desire that we do not take the time to be thankful for the things we have. There are always shiny new things to desire. The newest tech gadgets, the latest model vehicles, the current clothing trends. If we learn to start each day with thanksgiving for what we currently have, we will be happier and more content.
When I see the things that can occur in one day to upend people’s lives; to the point where even their basic necessities are no longer available, it reminds me to be thankful for all the blessings I experience in my life. I have learned that material things do not bring joy, they may bring happiness for a short period of time, but eventually the initial excitement of the material item wears off. This is usually followed by a desire for the next exciting replacement, if we believe that joy can be found in material things.
It is possible for a person to live in a mansion, own a yacht, their own airplane, travel the world and still be unhappy. I know you are probably saying…I would like to give it a try and see how I feel 😊Inner peace is the foundation for joy. If we are constantly anxious about things we cannot control; if we are overly concerned about how others perceive us, if we are experiencing loneliness, if the color of the Rolls-Royce is not what you ordered 😊There are many things in life that can rob the rich of their peace and cause them to not even experience happiness. Since joy comes from an internal source and not an outward one, they may never experience joy. One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is joy. This joy rises from our innermost being and is not subject to outward circumstances. It is spread abroad in our hearts by Him.
One way to experience the joy of the Holy Spirit is to praise God. When we lift our hearts in praise and thanksgiving, we are drawn closer to God. The Bible tells us that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). We know that everything in this world is temporary. Knowing this, let us set our hearts on things above and strive to show love to others as Christ has commanded.
https://joyfoster.substack.com/