Many today search for joy or express that they’ve lost joy in life or work. Although joy can be experienced in external circumstances, it is actually an internal disposition of the mind and heart. Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit—alongside patience, kindness, generosity, love, gentleness, peace, faithfulness, and self-control. If it were not an internal disposition, Christ’s apostles would not have been filled with joy when they experienced sufferings in the wake of their new ministry following his Ascension into Heaven.
Joy is also a chosen attitude. Life’s circumstances might not be ideal, but one can find purpose and meaning by being the best one can be in each situation by one’s actions, countenance and reason for one’s ultimate hope in life—that of being with Christ for all eternity. It is this joy of the Lord that constitutes our strength (Neh 8:10). It is also a trusting fear and reverence for Him that “delights the heart,” giving it “gladness and joy and long life” (Sir 1:12).
Zealous Joy
After Christ’s Ascension, the apostles are brought before the high priest, elders and council in Israel for speaking about him. They are strictly ordered not to speak about Christ from then on and are whipped for their transgression. Instead of running scared and feeling defeated, the apostles rejoice in being considered worthy of suffering dishonor for the sake of Christ’s name (Acts 5:41)! After their release, they continue to proclaim Christ as the Messiah wherever they go (Acts 5:42). The joy they possessed was interiorly felt. This same joy is mentioned by St. Paul with regard to the Thessalonians who receive “the word with joy,” as well, despite their persecution (1 Thes 1:6).
Inspirational Joy
A true spirit of joy is a mark of holiness. By maintaining joyous spirits, we are sources of joy to one another and help build one another up in faith and charity. Again, it is not always easy, but our attitude can be of great benefit to ourselves and others. St. James declares, “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). St. James is telling us that sufferings produce steadfastness, growth, and maturity in faith when, in holiness, we unite ourselves to Christ and gain the ultimate prize of sanctification.
Negative to Positive
One way to cultivate joy is to surround oneself with those who model the joy you wish to obtain. Another approach is to practice turning negative thoughts into positive ones. Try recognizing some inherent good in a situation or circumstance. What might you be overlooking? What might you do to bring peace or healing to yourself or another? Praying for a negative situation can effect marvelous change bringing about the peace and joy you long for.
Additionally, recognizing joy in God’s creation around us is monumental in nurturing joy. Birds’ singing; the laughter of a child; the beauty of flowers, mountains, or the ocean; reading Sacred Scripture; watching holy and inspirational programs; listening to Christian music—any number of such things can spark joy within. “You show me the path of life,” O Lord, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (emphasis added, Psalm 16:11). Take hold of special moments encountered and relish them. Smile. The simple act of smiling affects one’s whole being.
Holy Attitude
A joyful attitude is not only efficacious for one’s own soul but infectious to others’ as well. Be motivated to use your own talents to bring Christ to others in ways that resonate with you, and be a model of joy to those in need. Using one’s God-given talents not only brings great joy and satisfaction to you, but is one of the very reasons you were created.
(See my previous post “Conquer Your Negativity” to learn more about joy’s positive effects.)
