I was reminded yesterday of a little conversation I had with God a number of months ago. I was standing at the sink washing dishes, and thinking about joy. “God, if joy is one of the fruits of Your Spirit, and I have Your Spirit, why don’t I have joy all the time?” God’s response: “How fully are you walking by my Spirit?”
Ouch.
It is true, though, that the more completely I am obedient, the more complete my joy.
How fully are you *walking* by the Spirit? Share on XThere is a cycle here. If I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing, I’m joyful, which motivates me to do what I’m supposed to do. 🙂
If I’m not doing what I’m supposed to be doing, I get discouraged, which makes it difficult to want to do much of anything — most of all the things I should be doing! 🙁
A conscious effort is necessary to continually perpetuate the “joy cycle” and break the “discouragement cycle.”
Very true. A lesson that often needs to be repeatedly learned. I know this from experience! 😉
Wow, this sounded just like the struggles I go through with the joy cycle. What a great reminder on where our minds and our hearts should be!! This encouraged me to go to God about breaking the discouragement and getting me more on track with what I need to do! Thanks