The Tooth Fairy or the Holy Spirit?

Joy Elben is a gifted interior designer and writer who battles physical issues with grace and joy. In this Joy UPGRADE, she reminds us there is real joy that is solid and secure—not from circumstances, but from the Holy Spirit who indwells us.

“Joy can feel like an ever-elusive concept, like the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny or the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,” she said.

“We quest after, wish for, and chase down the peace and contentment that it brings.”

Oh, I (Dawn) have been down that elusive trail to happiness, and it does not compare to the joy I have now. Joy explains this so well.

Joy continues . . .

If joy, by its very definition, is characterized by great pleasure and happiness, well-being and delight, then it stands to reason that we want to be in pursuit of such a trait.

Honestly now, we all desire that. I know that I do!

While writing for an upcoming publication a few years ago, I asked my husband to play a quick word association game with me. I would say a word and he would tell me the word that came immediately to mind. For example: milk and cookies or peanut butter and jelly.

When I produced the word “identity,” the first word that came to his mind was “theft.”

I laughed because I was certain that as a seasoned pastor, he would share some deep insightful anecdotes on which I could elaborate. Instead, I received an image of an RIFD* wallet meant to ward off identity theft.

I then came to love the idea.

In September of 2019, our family was gifted the opportunity to go to the Middle East on a mission/humanitarian trip, and the first thing I did was buy an RFID cover for our passports.

It was made apparent to us that identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, and in a moment, can devastatingly damage, if not ruin, your credit and sense of security.

It can take years to recover and restore what had always belonged to you in the first place.

Think about it, the enemy would love nothing more than to steal from us the joy of an identity rooted in who we are as a child of God.

Just as a thief stealthily comes to steal your identity replacing it with another, so the Deceiver will try to replace the truth that you are eternally whole and secure with the lie that you need to look for significance or individuality in temporal trappings.

The Bible is in fact our RFID protection against such robbery.

It is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of Truth. It is there to remind you of who you are; thus, being the ultimate protection from identity theft.

When we know Whose we are, our joy is secure.

Joy is different than happiness.

The world would have us on an endless search for the next thing that will fulfill our longing for contentment.

Fundamentally, however, we all know that feelings of happiness can be elusive and fleeting. They dissipate like the fog as the sun beats down upon the beach in the heat of the day. It’s gone just as surely as it was there, but the biblical definition of joy goes so much deeper than that.

What is True, Biblical Joy?

1. True, Biblical Joy Comes from the Holy Spirit.

You will find that biblical joy can be a contstant and non-transient companion through the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.

How sweet it is to know that joy, because it is a fruit of the spirit, is a natural manifestation of the Holy Spirit in me:

But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy . . . . (Galatians 5:22).

It isn’t up to me to conjure up a feeling of happiness, but rather it is a result of walking with the Lord and growing in my faith.

2. True, Biblical Joy Is Grounded in the God of Hope.

True joy has staying power that can abide through the harshest of rays and the darkest of days because it is grounded in the assurance that Jesus is our source of joy, peace, hope, and confidence, as seen in Romans 15:13:

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. True, Biblical Joy Carries Us Through Difficulties.

The God of the universe is our rock and salvation. Due to this truth, we can live in an abiding state of joy despite experiencing legitimate and deep sorrow or uncertainty in our circumstances and trials.

The writer of Psalms knew the reality of this truth as he penned:

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:1).

I surely look forward to the “forevermore” promised in the Psalms, but for now I rest in His faithfulness, knowing that He knows what is best and can be trusted with life’s unknowns.

Joy in the Lord is greater than anything the world can offer.

Are you searching for your source of joy and strength outside of the standard of the character of Jesus? If so, take a moment to examine what you are trying to control. Can you visualize yourself handing your circumstances over to God?

Joy Elben, born and raised in sunny, San Diego, California, grew up at and later served at Shadow Mountain Community Church and Turning Point Ministries. She then journeyed alongside her husband to Forest Home Christian Camps, in the picturesque setting of Ojai, California. After two years in this beautiful setting Joy and her family relocated to Georgia and learned a new normal in the sweet, South. Joy has enjoyed speaking opportunities throughout the US and the Middle East. Joy and family currently reside in Southern California. Joy is a pastor's wife, adoptive mom, foster parent, enthusiastic traveler, writer, artist, graphic designer and owner of Joy Elben Design.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Anastasiya Babienko at Pixabay.

* RFID means "radio frequency identification," a form of wireless communication.

Are You 'Testing Positive'?

In this Attitude UPGRADE, Dawn Wilson encourages intentional choices for hope, joy and optimism.

In the tests of life, are you testing positive?

Over the past year with the COVID-19, we've become so aware of the phrase "testing positive." A positive test means a person may have antibodies from an infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 or another related coronavirus.

"Testing positive" can also can be a result for any other number of tests for various cancers and diseases.

It's usully not a happy day when we "test positive."

"Testing positive" can either be considered good or bad when it comes to pregnancy tests. Christians believe children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), but sometimes the timing of a pregnancy can cause someone to doubt that!

Yet nothing takes our God by surprise. He often has greater plans than we can anticipate.

There's also such a thing as testing "false positive."

A test can incorrectly indicate that a particular condition or attribute is present. For example, during stress testing, which is a routine diagnostic tool used to detect heart disease, women have a significant number of false positives.

The Lord spoke to me about my attitudes a few weeks ago. I got caught up in all the negative news on television, and it colored my thoughts and attitudes.

It was as if the Lord said,  

"I want you to walk with me in the light, and not in the darkness. Put away your negativity. I am the God of Hope!"

You see, I had a "false positive."

• On the outside—I had the appearance of joy.
• On the inside—I was dark, fretful, and grumbling.
• On those days, the condition of my heart did not line up with what I said I believed.

God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7); He knows the truth about our attitudes. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sinful attitudes (John 16:8) so we can realign our hearts with God's Word and walk in truth, pleasing our Father God.

Christians should be realists, but they also should be the most positive, optimistic people in the world.

God's grace and mercy are deep to meet our needs (Hebrews 4:16), and His promises for the family of faith are incredible.

Why We Can Be Positive in Christ

• We are new creations, made alive with Him (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:5);
• We are inhabited by the Trinity—God takes up residence (John 14:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 4:15);
• We are partakers of the divine nature and have a new heart (2 Peter 1:4; Ezekiel 11:19);
• We are no longer slaves to sin, but called to be holy and pleasing to God (Romans 6:5-6; Romans 12:1);
• Free from condemnation, we now can walk according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1);
• We are being transformed, conformed to the image of Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24; Romans 8:29; 2  Corinthians 3:18);
• We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37);
• As God's workmanship, we can do good works that glorify God (Ephesians 2:10);
• We are chosen to declare God's praises (1 Peter 2:9);
• Because of God's grace and power, we can become servants of the gospel, discipling and teaching others (Ephesans 3:7; Matthew 28:18-20);
• We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3);
• And so much more!

So how do we live so we will "test positive" in authentic ways?

1. Read the Word with the desire to obey God in faith.

Read with the intent to hear from God or learn something new about Him. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to show us how to live to joyfully please the Father and train for righteousness and ministry (2 Timothy 3:16).

Is there is something God wants you to act on or obey that might increase your hope, faith, or joy?

Is there something that might help you live for Him or minister more effectively?

2. Communicate regularly with the Father.

The God of all wisdom, comfort, power, etc. wants to express His nature to you. He will use scripture and biblical truth to encourage your heart.

Are you so connected to the Lord through prayer that you can receive from Him at any time and in any circumstance?

What has He said to you recently that encouraged or challenged you?

3. Check your heart daily to be sure you are walking in the Spirit.

Review what it means to walk in the Spirit. In part, it involves submission to the will of God and keeping in step with the Spirit of God.

Some people think this will rob them of joy in this life, but to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18b) and walk in the Spirit is to experience the "fruit of the Spirit"—and that includes joy and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). Walking in the Spirit enables us to enjoy all the Spirit has for us, and to respond in the toughest situations as Jesus would.

Are you filled with and walking in the Spirit daily?

What's the evidence in your life?

4. Express gratitude, worship and praise to the Lord.

As we are filled with the Spirit of God, we will find our hearts overflowing with gratitude, singing and joy (Ephesians 5:18-29; Colossians 3:16).

We were created to worship God (Psalm 29:1-2; Psalm 95:1-2)—it's both a way of life and a particular activity. Our worship increases as we trust His sovereign love and care.

It shouldn't be unusual to break out in spontaneous praise (Psalm 9:9-10; Psalm 34:1-4; Isaiah 57:15).

When was the last time you broke out in gratitude, worship, or praise to God?

If it's a struggle, what unhealthy or ungodly attitude is in the way? Can you give that to Jesus today?

Whenever you hear the words "tested positive," use it to spur you on to REMEMBER how God increases your hope, joy, and optimism in Him.

How will YOU "Test Positive" in the Lord?

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is a speaker and author, and the creator the blog, Upgrade with Dawn. She is a contracted researcher/reviewer for women's teacher and revivalist, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, at Revive Our Hearts, a blogger at TrueWoman.com, writes wiki-type posts at  Christianity.com, and is a regular columnist at Crosswalk.com. She and her husband Bob live in sunny Southern California, and Dawn has traveled with Him in Pacesetter Global Outreach. They have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Renewing Joy and Vision: A Matter of Decision

Author Dianne Barker is wise and practical. In this Choices UPGRADE, she reminds us that in difficult days, we need to make intentional decisions to be joyful and renew our vision if we want to bring glory to God.

“The science-fiction year 2020 is in the books,” Dianne says, “but pandemic living has robbed us of joy and vision. Have you lost your joy and vision?”

I (Dawn) know what Dianne's talking about. I had a couple of weeks early in 2020 that sent me into an emotional tailspin. Nothing changed until I took my struggle to the Lord (Psalm 42:11). He made the difference in my spiritual and emotional health.

Dianne continues . . .

Life is still unsettled, the future uncertain. If we’re depending on favorable circumstances to renew our joy and vision, we may have a long wait.

Could renewal simply be a matter of decision? Consider this.

I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord (Psalm 116:17).

Did you notice the words I WILL? That’s decision.

Today, whatever the circumstance, I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord… and nothing can stop me.

From the phrase sacrifice of thanksgiving, I get the impression that offering thanks is essential, even when life is difficult.

I choose thanksgiving when I don’t feel thankful, presenting my thanksgiving as a sacrifice to the Lord.

When life goes according to plans and expectations, my heart overflows with gratitude and thanksgiving. It’s easy to rejoice and sing praise—the spontaneous response of feeling.

But when I’m derailed by detours and disappointments, can I offer thanksgiving and praise by decision? Yes, because no matter my experience, God is worthy of honor and exaltation.

In Psalm 116, calling on the name of the Lord is a recurring thought.

The writer begins,

I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live (vv. 1-2).

Encountering difficulties, distress, and anguish, the Psalmist called on the name of the Lord (v. 4).

What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord (vv. 12-13).

He repeats his determination to call on the name of the Lord (v. 17) four times in twenty verses.

Calling on the name of the Lord suggests crying out.

Likely you’ve been there.

• Crying out in your pain, fear, or sorrow.
• Crying out when someone you love encounters unspeakable heartbreak.
• Crying out when you’ve lost your joy and vision.

This Psalm gives a precious picture of our Lord.

He heard my voice and my pleas for mercy… he inclined his ear to me.

I see him bending down, giving his full attention to the cry of his hurting child.

One of my favorite Bible-study practices is underlining every reference to “I cry, he hears,” along with the action that follows—what God did in response to the cry for help. The study convinces me our God is not a distant God. He’s personal and a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

I cry. He hears.

Whatever His response, knowing He’s heard satisfies me. I rest, assured He’s working for my good and His glory.

My friend Freda is a woman of great faith and confident prayer. I’ve shared countless concerns over decades of friendship, knowing she would talk to our Father on my behalf. Always, she comforts my anxious heart, saying, “I can’t wait to see how God works this out!”

Life is still unsettled, the future uncertain.

But we needn’t wait for favorable circumstances to renew our joy and vision. We can begin living by decision!

Choose to:

• Offer to the Lord the sacrifice of thanksgiving.
• Call on the name of the Lord.

All my cares are in the mighty hands of God. And I can’t wait to see how He works things out!

Are you ready to renew your joy and vision?

Dianne Barker is a speaker, radio host, and author of 11 books, including the best-selling Twice Pardoned and award-winning I Don’t Chase the Garbage Truck Down the Street in My Bathrobe Anymore! Organizing for the Maximum Life. She’s a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Christian Authors Network, and Word Weavers International. Visit www.diannebarker.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Ben White at Unsplash.

Consider 'IT' All Joy!

When I think of Kolleen Lucariello, I think of the word "joy," so I'm delighted she wrote about it in this Joy UPGRADE, a fresh approach to a verse many Christians need to examine more closely.“Count it all Joy. The words came as a whisper and dropped straight into my heart early one morning as I sat conversing with the Lord,” Kolleen says.

“Well, to be fair, the conversation was more like a complaint session; asking for His intervention for many I know in difficult circumstances.”

I (Dawn) experienced such relief in my spirit as I read Kolleen's article. It gave me a new appreciation for what God is doing in my circumstances.

Kolleen continues . . . 

As I pressed on in prayer, the words whispered again … count it all joy.

I paused to ponder and then noticed there seemed to be an emphasis on the word "it"—almost as if the word had been highlighted and appeared to me as: count IT all joy.

Okay, Lord. You have my attention. It? What exactly are you trying to tell me?

You want me to count the “it” as joy?

I began to review my list:

• COVID-19,
• Cancer,
• Hospitalizations,
• Despair,
• Disruption, and
• Political division and unrest.

I prayed for those suffering from chronic illness, depression, a marriage crisis, financial struggles and great loneliness. The list was long and intense.

“Lord, what if there are too many 'its' to count? It feels insensitive, not to mention nearly impossible to ask for a painful circumstance to be counted as joy.” 

Impossible?

Instantly, that thought flipped right around in my thinking with a reminder that there was a time when:

Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible" (Matthew 19:26, NLT).

If God says it is possible, then HOW?

James wrote, Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace] (James 1:2-3 AMP).

In other words:

• “It” is the [name of your trial].
• “It” has a purpose.
• "It" is a test—a test TO our faith that produces endurance IN our faith.
  

The word "testing" comes from the Greek dokimion and is “that by which something is tried or proved” (Strongs Concordance).

Think genuine. Without anything artificial or false.

“The aim of testing is not to destroy or afflict, but to purge and refine.” (Nelson’s NKJV Study Bible)

Could we possibly view our “it” differently simply by changing our perception from, “Why are you doing this to me God?” to “Thank you, God, for this 'it' in my life. Use this trial to purge me of impurities so that my faith can grow and I may become more like Jesus.”

Allowing the testing of our faith to produce patience is what enables us to stand firm under the pressure of “it.” 

Years ago, my sister’s family called Hawaii home while her husband served in the military. We recognized this was a perfect opportunity for our family to experience Hawaii, so we went to visit.

The day we went to Nuuanu Pali State Park, the winds were so intense. They pushed against us in such a fierce way it took effort to take steps forward. We walked pressing forward in such a way that if the wind had suddenly stopped we’d surely have fallen flat on our faces!

I imagine this reflects how we must brace ourselves when we encounter intense testing of our faith.

If we are to remain standing under the pressure of “it,” then we must view the test as a tool God will use to draw us closer to Him and mature our faith.

When we recognize that out of our “it” a deeper, stronger faith was produced, we consider the “it” a joy.  

Upgrades in life happen when we determine to believe the purpose of every trial is AN OPPORTUNITY to press us closer and closer to the heart of our loving Father. 

Unpack the Opportunity

1. Consider—This word means "regard, take into account, reflect on, or suppose."
2. IT—Did you know“it” can be defined as a lifeless thing? How often do we allow trials to overtake us as if they had a life of their own? 
3. Joy—"Joy" is from the Greek chara meaning "the cause or occasion of joy."
   

Suppose you regarded the lifeless trial in your life as an occasion for joy because God used “it” to do what Peter wrote:

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7, NKJV).

In my own strength, I will never believe there is joy to be found in any hardship or test.

However, my reliance on God, my trust in His care, and the overwhelming evidence that He is Sovereign and good, begs me to come to a place of gratitude for every trial that produced a greater faith. 

What is your "IT" today? Can you thank God for it, believing He is working in your life in ways you may not see right now? Can you reframe your "IT" as an opportunity to trust Him?

Kolleen Lucariello, #TheABCGirl, is the author of #beYOU: Change Your Identity One Letter at a Time and is the Co-Director of Activ8Her, Inc. She is passionate to every woman realize her identity in Christ and live accordingly. Kolleen and her hubby, Pat, make their home in Central New York. She’s the mom of three grown children and Mimi to six incredible grands. For more information about Kolleen, visit www.speakkolleen.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Timo Volz at Pixabay.

Home Run Happiness — Upgrade Your Joy

Pam Farrel is a "Joy Girl!" Her motto, "Choosing Joy," isn't just a casual mantra for a happy life; it's biblical wisdom for a joy-filled, God-honoring life. In this Attitudes UPGRADE, she shares a super-practical way to add more joy to our lives.

"We are the fulltime caregivers for my aging in-laws," Pam says. "My father-in-law loves Dodger baseball, and right now—due to the pandemic—there is no baseball. So he is not a happy camper."

I (Dawn) think it's hard enough being a caregiver in "regular" times, but it's extra hard during a pandemic! But Pam and her husband Bill found a way to spread some joy.

Pam continues . . .

My father-in-law was set to celebrate his 91^st birthday while we were all “sheltering at home,” and we could feel his depression rising. I began to pray for a creative idea to lift his spirits, and one morning I woke with a simple idea.

We decided we needed to help him cultivate some joy, so we arranged a family zoom virtual gathering, we all wore baseball caps, sang “Take me out to the ballgame,” gave him peanuts and cracker jacks—and, of course, his favorite meal complete with birthday cake.  

It was a homerun hit!

Sometimes in our lives, the circumstances are so stressful or uncommonly difficult that normal happiness feels hard to come by. In these trying times, we must pro-actively cultivate our joy.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy (Psalm 94:19).

As the wave of Covid-19 spreads, fear spreads with it. So how do we move from being anxious (being tormented by a multitude of disquieting thoughts) to the place of God’s consolation (His comfort) that brings us to a place of joy and delight and, with it, the ability to smile again?  

Like in baseball, run the bases!

FIRST BASE: Study Joy

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4).

It is a CHOICE to REJOICE!

Let’s look a little deeper at the meaning of the key words of this verse:

• Rejoice: (verb) be glad, joyful, favorably disposed to grace, lean in, thrive, calm delight.
• Always: at ALL times—this means you are not joyful about trials, but joyful in the midst of the trials. 
  
• Again: meaning once more, just a little further. (It might feel overwhelming to picture yourself being happy or joyful for the long haul, and God recognizes this, so the word “again” shows it is a moment-by-moment decision to "choose joy.")
• Say: meaning to tell, call, lay to rest. (The term "lay to rest" reflects the wise choice to pre-decide: I will be a person who trusts God and walks in faith, not fear. The result will be the ability to  "choose joy!" )
• In the LORD: This is committing EVERYTHING to our Master Creator who exercises absolute ownership rights. In other words, giving over whatever circumstance is robbing our joy to our Abba Father in Heaven who is the ONLY ONE who has the power to really move on our behalf.

SECOND BASE: Speak Joy

In my own life, there was an avalanche of bad news, difficult circumstances and a host of trials and tribulations that hit our life—all at once. You can read a condensed story of how God taught me to say—and live out—the "Choosing Joy!" motto.

Recently, while writing Discovering Joy in Philippians, as I studied the word joy (chairo) in the New Testament, I realized two vital truths.

1. God uses this word more than 70 times in the New Testament. So joy is important to God!
2. Of all the definitions of joy, the one that resonated most to me was "calm delight."

When you feel stress or anxiety rising in you or others, you can simply push pause and ask God, "What would calm me? Calm the situation? Calm others?" and "What would bring delight to me? To the circumstance? To others?"

Praying for, and then exercising calm delight can radically lower your stress!  

THIRD BASE: Schedule Joy

While talking with my friend who works helping First Responders with PTSD, I learned that when you suffer trauma, all the world seems to turn from vibrant color and happiness to a washed out grey.

This conversation inspired me to create a JOY BLOSSOM coloring sheet to help those who are discouraged reclaim joy.

It begins with listing 30 things that have brought you joy in the past. Think simple: sunshine on your face, standing barefoot in the grass or sand, etc. Write one joy on each leaf or petal.

Then schedule one joy moment into your life each day!

For an additional boost, color the joy blossom. Your brain will focus on staying in the lines while you color, and it will be a reprieve from thinking about problems! This lowers stress and boosts your immunity for better health—mentally and physically) 

HOME PLATE: Sketch Joy

I enjoy Bible Art. It helps me memorize and meditate on God’s truths. For what I call a Sabbath Selah (or a pause to ponder God’s goodness), I will often turn on Christian music, which also soothes the soul, and then I spend a few hours studying, creating faith-based art in my Art Bible or in my JOY JOURNAL where I include quotes and verses on joy.  

When the Coronavirus hit, I decided that perhaps my life patterns of study, speaking, scheduling and sketching joy might breath joy into others, so I penned an eBook, Infectious Joy,  that includes 30 days of joy verses, simple art to accompany it, and a space to write or draw to capture and cultivate joy.

Infectious Joy is designed to help all who read it process the powerful truths from God’s heart to create positivity and a JOY that OVERCOMES circumstances. (I invite you to print out Infectious Joy and take it to a quiet spot in the fresh air and LEAVE your tech devices behind.)

It is my hope and prayer that running these four bases to happiness will help you become a person of Infectious Joy who is a life-giver of joy, peace, calm and positivity to those around you.

Who needs a little more joy from you today?

Pam Farrel is an international speaker, relationship expert, author of 50 books including ones featuring joy: Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Bible Study Experience, 10 Secrets of Living Strong, Smart and Savvy or 7 Simple Skills for Every Woman: Success In Keeping It All Together. Download your free copy of Infectious Joy and tell others about it too—become contagious with joy! Pam and her husband, Bill, Co-Direct Love-Wise ministries. They invite you to become a member of the Living Love-Wise Community.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Pixabay.