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Joy

8/4/2015

3 Comments

 
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It is ingrained in us that we are entitled to and should pursue happiness.  As a result, we spend much of our lives chasing a job, money, power, approval, thinness… but I contend that achieving those pursuits leads only to fleeting moments of contentment.  

Happiness comes and goes depending on your circumstances.  I got a new job!  Yay! There is a lot more work and responsibility!  Boo!  I have a new baby!  Yay!  He keeps me up screaming all night!  Boo! So, how do we find long-lasting joy?

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Joy is something that we are told in the Bible is a fruit of the spirit.  It does not say happiness is a fruit of the spirit, but joy is.  Joy resides within you permanently. Since it is from the spirit, that implies that it must come from the Holy Spirit within us. 

Joy manifests only when we rest in God’s promises and we are transformed to be more like Christ.  It is based on our relationship with Christ and is not affected by our circumstances.  It is not until we stop chasing happiness and start chasing Christ that we will experience true joy.

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Matthew 6:19-21 says,

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  

When we value Christ more than temporary treasures on earth, we open ourselves up to the permanency of joy.

Today, I am forced to comply with God’s will for my life. At this moment, that involves suffering with this disease of ALS at the cost of my own personal happiness.  Does that mean that I am not joyful?  No!   I can be joyful always because I have Christ with me and I know where I am going!

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How do we do that? Let me show you.

I am at the age where for my birthday, I am not really into the presents. I am more about the relationships with those around me. I think it is the same way with Jesus. He is really not that interested in what you do, but more interested in spending time with you. 

When I say spending time, I mean just talking to Him. He wants to be involved in your life just like I want to be involved in the lives of the people around me. 

It is not complicated. Following Jesus should not be difficult. If it is, then you have missed it!

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J=Jesus


0 = Nothing

Y= You

To have joy, there must be nothing between you and Jesus.

In order to find joy, you have to find Christ first!  Then you must surrender your life to Him and allow Him to be in control.  Until you are able to do that, joy will always evade you. 

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free! 
John 8:32

3 Comments
Valerie Lavely
8/5/2015 06:07:11 am

Hello Akhil, You wrote about JOY on my Birthday! And you wrote about Birthdays too! I couldn't pass on an AMEN. One of my favorite things that my mom does is to make every effort to have my card and sometimes a present mailed in time for me to open it on the EXACT DAY of my celebration. I don't think it's so much getting the card on the day - but knowing she makes the effort to do something on our behalf because she values it so much. If she must mail it early to be sure it gets to us, she often includes a note on the outside that says DO NOT OPEN until AUGUST 4th! One of my other favorite things about my mom is that she calls me Precious Joy. So, like your article states - it's not really about the presents - it's about her unique Presence in my life - even though she's states away from Washington, she's always available via phone or email unless she's doing something for a friend, like taking them to an appointment or delivering a meal. She is a Joy to me because of who she is.
A few weeks ago, I was at the airport and commented on the necklace worn by the Woman behind the check-in counter. She said "it says Joy - do you know what that stands for" I responded Jesus Others You? and she said "Yes, you are the first one who has ever known and sometimes I need it right here as a touchstone to remind me" I think what she remembers is that connection between Jesus and herself. That remaining and abiding, wearing His yoke enables her to be joyful even in the event that she encounters a grumpy passenger. Sometimes our quest for Happiness takes us way off course. Thank you for reminding us that the most precious joy - all year round - comes from Abiding in the Vine - from whence cometh our Hope and Help and Productivity because it's there that we bear the most fruit, as well. I'm looking forward to this New Year - because I am more focused on abiding. Which takes the edge off of being older and less thin! :) Much Love to You and your sweet family. Val

Reply
Akhil
8/5/2015 02:44:06 pm

Thank you for the comment, it means a lot to me to be able to remind people of the connection we need with our savior. I really appreciate how your mother makes you feel loved even though she is not with you. I want to be able to do that with my children.

Reply
Lisa Davis
8/7/2015 11:50:39 am

This is so beautiful! Even in your current situation, you bring JOY to those of us who are lucky to know you!

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    The video is Akhil's journey with ALS.  Painful to see but the faith his family shows is uplifting.
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    God continues to show his love for us through his people.  Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us, prayed for us, visited Akhil, brought us a meal and served us however God led you to serve.  Continue to follow those urgings from God in serving those who are struggling.

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    Akhil and Laura Jhaveri

    Applying the skills they've learned in over 20 years of marriage, this couple faces the challenges of ALS together. MND or motor neuron disease is deadly with no known cure.  The Jhaveri family has to endure this battle and show the world God's love!

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