"It is Contagious!!"
- Rita Larson
- Jul 22, 2023
- 3 min read
When my youngest son, Jordan, was a baby, his laugh was hilarious. It was one of those full belly laughs that would bring you to tears from laughing so hard. It was contagious. If you were within hearing range, you were going to laugh. No matter what mood you were in, that laughter brought joy! My oldest son, Travis, figured out at an early age that joy changes things. When he was in trouble, he knew that if he could make me laugh, it would change the outcome. He was right! It is hard to be upset or angry when you are laughing. Our circumstances can change when we bring joy into the midst of them!
In Philippians 4:4, the Apostle Paul gives the church of Philippi a simple command—be joyful! His words remind us that joy does not depend on our circumstances. Instead, the joy of the Lord is our strength and should be a part of our everyday life, regardless of what is happening around us. It is easy to become discouraged when life throws us a curve ball, but it is important to stay rooted in the Word and find joy in Him. Joy is contagious, and it will not only bring us closer to God but it will also bring us closer to each other.
This makes sense when we consider the power of joy. Joy has the power to transform us and the atmosphere around us. Just as light dispels darkness, so too does joy banish fear and doubt. When we encounter someone with deep-seated joy, it is a breath of fresh air. When we make a joyful noise to the Lord, our created purpose of glorifying Him is fulfilled and His presence is made known.
The Bible has much to say about joy and rejoicing in the Lord. For instance, in Psalm 34:2-3 we read, “My soul will make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Rejoicing in the Lord is an act of praise and worship. It is a way of magnifying Him in our midst. This is a reminder that joy is contagious. When we surround ourselves with people who are filled with joy, it’s impossible to remain in a state of gloom or despair.
Another great verse on joy is Psalm 16:11 which declares, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Here, joy is presented as available to all who have received the gift of salvation. When we are born again and invite Jesus into our hearts, we now have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and are in the presence of the Lord. We have the fullness of joy available all of the time, we just need to tap into the well that never runs dry!
James 1:2 states, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” This verse is a reminder that joy is not dependent on our circumstances. We can still rejoice in the Lord during difficult times because we know that our trials are only temporary and that God will use them to refine us and bring us closer to Him. We can always find joy in God’s faithfulness, even in the midst of our darkest moments.
Joy is not dependent on our circumstances but our circumstances are dependent on our joy! We can rejoice regardless of what is going on around us. There is always hope in Jesus Christ. Nothing is too difficult for Him. There is victory in Christ regardless of the chaos going on around us. This is the knowledge that brings us the fullness of joy in every circumstance! Without joy, we have sadness, hopelessness, doubt, fear, and despair. All of these are doors of opportunity to allow the enemy to come in and rob us of our joy.
Joy in the Lord is an essential part of the Christian life. When we make a joyful noise unto the Lord, it dispels darkness and brings light into any situation. Fear and doubt are destroyed and His presence is made known. Joy has the power to transform us and those around us. Remember, joy is not dependent on our circumstances, but our circumstances are dependent on joy! Rejoice! It is contagious! ©Rita Larson 7/22/2023
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