Spiritual joy is a gift from God. Its enemy is fear. Jesus warned against fear over and over. Jesus came to earth so that our joy may be full. In the Bible, he repeatedly tells others to let go of fear. Controlling our fears is a spiritual duty, just as it was for his first disciples.
Granted, some fears are unavoidable, such as a person’s reaction to an armed robber, but most of our fears are merely nervous symptoms. They are distressing but not dangerous.
Learning how to reduce needless fear to an acceptable level takes time and training of one’s will, but it is possible.
First, you need to understand the distinction between happiness and spiritual joy. Remember that your goal is to reduce fear to attain spiritual joy. You certainly have the right to pursue happiness, but most people think of happiness as pleasure instead of it as peace of soul.
We appreciate good food, and feel comforted by warm blankets on a cold night. The smell of fresh air and the sight of a beautiful sunset may delight our senses, and yet, even though these pleasures are noble, they cannot bring us spiritual happiness, which is a state of peace and serenity based on the knowledge of God’s love.
Therefore, with God’s help, living a more joyful life is not only possible, but necessary for true spiritual joy. Some call it happiness of the soul.
To get there, we have much preliminary work to do. We have to say “no” to fear. We need to pray that God will create in us a strong and grateful heart. In addition, we need to be contrite for our sin and develop self-discipline.
To do it correctly, you have to clear your mind of all kinds of toxic thinking. Fear, resentment, hatred, vindictiveness, etc., will drain your strength. It’s a big order, but you can do it.
Never be discouraged because you are overly fearful. Your joy will grow as you become more and more aware of God’s protection and love. The virtue of hope comes into play here. We hope for better days.
Hope is expectation with certainty. Know that you will not be disappointed. Turn your fears over to the Lord and know that better days are coming.
Joy is described as the simplest form of gratitude. The duty of delight is fulfilled by living joyfully because of the knowledge of God’s love. This is the greatest honor we can give to almighty God.
Laugh at your fears and they will lose their power. Repeat: “I am not in danger, the Lord is with me.” Nervous fears dissolve when they are not accepted as true.
Remove toxic thoughts from your mind, and you will be better able to feel God’s joy pulsing through your soul. May the Lord be your strength and your joy.
