Joy Does Not Depend On Circumstance

{Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.} James 1:2-4

Joy, as with beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. It is easy to look at our circumstances and think of what it could be, should be, or what we want it to be. To look at others circumstances and feel ours are not up to par. To wish our circumstances could be what they used to be. 

Looking at others, wishing for something else, not appreciating what we are, what we have, where we are. These are joy thieves. Though, we should not allow them to be. We let these let things creep in and blind us from where true joy comes from. Joy is not dependent upon our job, financial status, relationship status, location, or anything aside from knowing our status in the arms of Christ's grace and mercy. 

When we begin to look at all we have been given that we don't deserve {life} and what we haven't been given that we do deserve {death}.. THAT is when we begin to find joy {true joy} in the every day life, because we have just that.. LIFE!

I personally let too many things steal my joy. I often find myself not content with all that I am truly blessed with {I shamefully think I deserve more} Joy and contentment come hand in hand. When we are content in what we DO have day to day and don't let what we don't have cause discontentment, we are on our way to true joy. My prayer for this week is to find joy in the everyday {in the little things} The things that show I am blessed just to be a live. I pray you may try for the same. 

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." {Philippians 4:11}