A Reflection on Joy

by Jason Kell, Door of Hope Therapist

THE LIFE-CHANGING POWER OF JOY

The life-changing power of Joy comes from the Life-Changer Himself, our Lord Jesus Christ, and is only complete with community and connection.

Perhaps this reality explains why so much scripture is focused on JOY: the Joy of the Lord is our strength; inner peace and Joy go hand-in-hand; Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit and a sign of those who live in God’s love; Jesus’s emphasis on what it means to approach God through childlike faith… that deep down in our beings, there is an openness or willingness to come back to Joy!

CONNECT TO JOY THROUGH RELATIONSHIP

Some might say it’s as if Yahweh designed humans to connect to their Joy center through their relationship with Him, self, and others. All of this is so evident to us in Christ, our Jesus.

From this Christ-centered perspective, we have the keys to the deepest spiritual wisdom we need. It is in God’s Joy that we can rest in peace, love, trust, and hope; in this Joy, we have the power to communicate effectively, experience strength in our bodies and renewed minds, give generously, and connect to others courageously.

And, in all of this, we join Jesus in childlike trust to draw closer to Him and His favor, where we hear His voice calling to us to look up and out into the world to shine God’s Light to the dark world around us because, in this Light, there is no darkness.

JOURNEY INTO JOY

Begin your journey into Joy by joining one of our support groups, or by scheduling a professional counseling session or trauma recovery prayer time. All services are available in person in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area or online via Zoom.

“And in all things, consider and choose pure joy” (reference James 1:2)