Do you have anyone in your life that just exudes joy 100% of the time? Well, I do. There is a little guy at our congregation that has the biggest smile on his face all the time. I mean "ALL THE TIME." Every time I see him, he smiles that huge grin and says with sincere joy...."Hey Mr. Marty, How are you?" We exchange our usual conversation... I tease him about girls and his new found mustache and then we talk about Alabama sports. He never fails to make me smile. I look so forward to saying hello to him b/c his attitude is so contagious. Even my 12 year old son said, "you know dad, you can't help but be in a good mood around that guy." So, our little buddy doesn't even know it, but he is affecting so many people in a positive way by sharing his God given joy with others.
God wants the same for us. It is so easy to let the circumstances of the day take control of our attitude. Happiness and sadness are really based on short term situations/circumstances. The trouble is that we allow those short term "feelings" to become our long term outlook. No matter our situation, God wants us to have joy and exude joy. The joy comes from knowing we are in His hands and that He will work things out for the best as we travel towards our eternal home. Joy is God’s gift to every believer. It is the fruit that His Spirit produces within you (Galatians 5:22) from the moment you receive the Gospel (John 15:11). This joy increases as you study and obey God’s Word (1 John 1:4).
We can affect so many people in a more positive way if we choose to be joyful no matter our situation. It really is contagious. Showing and spreading joy may be one of the best ways to show Christ's living example to others. No matter what your current situation may be, make the effort today to be joyful and see what a difference it makes! God Bless!
