P and J
This is the time of the year, you will hear the song, Joy to the World and the saying, Peace on Earth. Many express it to others, out of habit, or maybe because of a strong sense of the holiday spirit. Yet, others believe this is not a time of peace and joy, but of stress.
The question is: Do your really have peace and joy in your everyday life? Not during this season, when holiday embellishments consume you, with all of its attractions. Many people will testify that peace cannot be present with all the stress of raising children, keeping employment, remaining in relationships and dealing with financial worries. Do you feel joy every day? Probably not. The real question is, do you feel more stressed, scattered and overwhelmed, than joy?
Peace is a state of tranquility or quietness. Joy is great happiness; or an expression felt after the success in doing something. Both characteristics are actions; meaning you must do something. You must have a mindset to choose them and keep them. Every day we make choices. Peace and joy are choices, the same way stress and grief are choices.
How do we get these gifts of peace and joy? They have already been given to you, by God. Most will not believe that concept. But, peace and joy are free gifts from our Father. As any gift given, it is up to you to keep them; cherish them; and fight for them, if someone or something wants to take these precious presents away.
How do we release the jolts of joy and produce the pacts of peace?
First get rid of the concept of having peace means you are floating on a cloud, without a care in the world. Or, joy means to wake up laughing and throughout the day chuckling at all events that occur.
- Make a decision to obtain peace and job and the willingness to carry out steps to keep them.
- Avoid, isolate or get rid of friends and family that loves to be involved in messes, stresses and distresses.
- Stay away from situations and issues that will be keep you overwhelmed and pressured.
- Pick your battles. Some battles are not worth fighting.
- Stay in you lane. Stop getting involved in other people’s drama.
The hard reality is, many people do not really want peace and joy. They say that they do, but they do not want to give up the things that steals P and J. People love the drama of gossip, having a say in other people’s affairs, going to places that will certainly bring mayhem. Or, doing things that harvest theatrics. Excitement comes from spreading fake news, believing things out of the ordinary. There is a certain thrill derived from these things. But, trust me, the thrills and excitement will not last. Though they are much desired, they should be removed from your life. When obesity comes from stress eating, high blood pressure materializes from distress and gastric issues from worry. When you feel that your life is at the point of destruction, only then will a more serene life be coveted.
Life can be drama and dread. Peace and joy can be found only in believing, knowing and having confidence in God, that whatever the issue or situation you may be experiencing will be resolved in time. Not by you, or in your time, but in God’s way and time.
When you take the pressure off of yourself and let God work. Joy jogs toward you and peace pursues you. You must believe this is possible.
You must believe.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises. Romans 15:13Amplified Bible (AMP)
How do we get faith?
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17King James Version (KJV)
How do we hear? By listening to God’s Word. By reading His Word in the Holy Bible.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16King James Version (KJV)
Listen to the teachers or wise people God sends you.
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. Proverbs 15:31-32King James Version (KJV)
Put on your PJ, not during the holiday season, but every day.