Celebrate the joy that comes from Jesus

Today is the day to be happy and it can be a lifestyle. Life is glorious. Taste it. Smell it. It is delicious. Go barefooted. Sing. Laugh. Smile. Give yourself away. Win the prize. It’s called joy, “…the joy of the Lord will make you strong” (Nehemiah 8:10). You can do anything through Jesus, because he gives you strength (Philippians 4:13).

Today is all we have. Let’s make the most of it. Enjoy those loved ones while living your life. Opportunities may be gone tomorrow. If we cannot be happy now, then we are never going to be happy.

Yes we have setbacks, problems, misunderstandings and losses. Life is not always the way we would have it, but we still have the choice of our attitude. We can waste time living in self-pity, reviewing the unfairness and injustices of life or we can rise up with faith and determination to be happy anyway. Joy doesn’t come from worrying, fretting and stewing. The enemy of our souls would have us walk in defeat, depression and discouragement and who could have joy in the midst of that?

This beautiful planet was made for our enjoyment. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

God is a “joy giver” and it is a fruit of the spirit. Think of the happiest time you have ever experienced on planet earth. Heaven will be indescribably better.

I think “Wake up! You’re Alive!” would make a good bumper sticker.

Psychiatrists agree the happiest people are those who give themselves away. Simple joy brings pleasure. Showing kindness never brings regrets. Being the first to apologize displays humility. Saying encouraging words gives comfort. Give those you love words of love. Say, “You are important to me. I care about you.