We are so blessed to have Lis Pendley as a guest blogger. She is an amazing woman who is a practicing attorney, with an incredible marriage, two sons and three granddaughters who love and bring out her inner pink bling. She volunteers for Mean Street Ministries which makes burritos every week, delivering them and talking about the Lord to the poor and homeless living in motels--feeding the body and the soul. She has been doing this for years– this among other ministries as well. But, for me, she is a paragon and a mentor for the person and Christian I would like to be when I grow up. She is generous to a fault, kind, loving, encouraging, hospitable to all. Not the least of all these attributes is a joy that emanates from within, in the good times and the bad. I have seen her go through personal and family crisis and never lose her joy. It isn’t that she doesn’t recognize pain and suffering, or that she lives in a state of denial. She doesn’t. It is just that she has that radiance from within about her no matter what she is going through. She has asked me and others the questions as to why there is not more joy in our Christian community, our churches and ourselves. The truth is I don’t know. I know that I am not all that joyous a person. I have my days but never consecutively or even frequently. The Lord does bestow on me times of joy, but even that is sometimes a mystery to me. So I have asked Lis to give me her thoughts on joy and any others she wishes to share. We are privileged to have her as a guest blogger.

Listen to His Song

"No one can be as happy as you are!" he growled. "What meds are you taking? When I told him I wasn't chemically enhanced, I know he didn't believe me. I missed a perfect moment to share the Good News. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to add this to your blog!

How to be a joy filled Christian? Gather His promises and believe them! You are my child and I AM your daddy. I will pursue you until you are mine! I have prepared a place for you and when it is time, I will bring you home. I know you - warts and all - and I LOVE YOU! I will discipline you and instruct you. I hear your prayers and I answer them. I AM within you, beside you and above you. There is nowhere you can turn, without seeing me.

Can you imagine your all powerful God gathering you in His arms, holding you, and singing to you? (Zeph 3:17) HE will! All you have to do is let Him! HE promises joy here and now AND joy in the hereafter. It's your choice.

But my friend asked about being 'happy' and I have written about being joy filled! Are they the same? I do not think so. To me, happiness and joy exist on two separate spheres. Happiness is secular...a new possession, a delicious meal, a vacation, an unexpected compliment. And God does provide us many good things.

But happiness can be stolen by 1) circumstances (an illness, a loss), 2) people (an unpleasant family member, co worker or stranger), 3) things (She who dies with the most stuff wins! was a popular bumper sticker for awhile.) and the greatest thief: 4) worry!* Worry will erase happiness and it will erode joy! HE counsels against this thief - do not worry! (Matt 6:34) Stay in the present...moment by moment, day by day. Do not wallow in past mistakes or in future 'what ifs'. HE is not in the past (although HE was there when you were) and HE is not in the future (although HE will be there when you are). HE is in the present and promises you JOY when you are obedient to Him.

So my friend, turn to Him and listen to His song. HE will fill your heart with joy!

Please consider reading Warren Wiersbe's "Be Joyful: Even When Things Go Wrong, You Can Have Joy" for his list of happiness stealers!