Our daily grind is not usually described as joyful. And it’s easy to assume that joy is for others or just not for us right now. But even during difficult seasons, it’s good to start with the assumption of joy.
Typically, we find exactly what we’re looking for. Or said another way, we see what we pay attention to.
We tend to focus on the object of our attention and overlook things in the periphery.
For instance, when we decide to buy a new vehicle, we start seeing that same make of vehicle everywhere. The company is not making more, but our attention has shifted and we’re simply seeing more of what was already present.
The same is true in our experience of joy.
When we tell ourselves joy is not for us, our attention stays focused on the ways it’s currently missing from our life. And this makes it more difficult to see and receive what is available.
Things are much different when we start with the assumption of joy.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and the Psalmist reminds us that in God’s presence is the fullness of joy.
Joy is available despite our immediate experience of it. And to receive more we must first start with this assumption that it is available.
The assumption of joy helps to focus our attention and dial our hearts into joy’s frequency.
This is not denying the heartache, pain, and suffering we still experience, but it is opening our eyes to the beauty and goodness also available.
Start with the assumption of joy and discover more of what God has for you in each moment.
Photo by Leonor Oom on Unsplash
