How to remain joyful?

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Monica4316

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Hi šŸ™‚

My priest advised me to be joyful and keep things simple in my faithā€¦ does anyone have any thoughts, how do we stay joyful when things arenā€™t going really well? sometimes it just seems itā€™s one thing after another. I think I understand a bit about how to endure and offer everything to God. But how do we stay joyful? I remember reading something by Mother Teresa: whenever she saw a person who looked sad, she knew that they havenā€™t given everything to Jesus. Because if we give everything to Him, including any suffering, we would have joy in Him. Iā€™m just not sure how to do this. Often I feel sad and I dont want to be like that, and itā€™s not a good witness anyway. Especially because I am not going through anything extraordinary at all. Is it a matter of just focusing on God and Heaven? anyone have any ideas? šŸ™‚
 
Persistent prayer and thanksgiving, even in adversity. The bible reminds us that we must pray, spend time with God, and like Job be thankful for even the bad things. No matter how bad we have it, it can always be worse. I find that praying consistently, even when I donā€™t want to helps me a great deal to remember those joys. I also enjoy praying the Psalms, for the Psalms really show us that others have been there and how they handled it. Try Psalm 51 sometime and really just read it in prayer to God, and then sit and think about it. I find that one particularly moving.

Also consider your brothers and sisters in the Church. Think of what is going well in their life and think of how happy that should make us. We should find great joy in others blessings, as well as our own. When we see someone with a new born child in the church, or someone who has gotten better from a serious illness, we should find much joy in knowing that God delivered them. The Jewish people praised God and went to their tents joyful for the blessings that David and Israel had received. If we keep our mind dwelling ont he things of God, then our hearts will be there as well.

Philippians 4:8-9 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableā€”if anything is excellent or praiseworthyā€”think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in meā€”put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Also check out some of these verses.

Romans 12:12 full of joyful hope, patient under persecution, earnest and persistent in prayer

Matthew 5:12 Be joyful and triumphant, because your reward is great in the Heavens; for so were the Prophets before you persecuted

2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation

Philippians 3:1 In conclusion, my brethren, be joyful in the Lord. For me to give you the same warnings as before is not irksome to me, while so far as you are concerned it is a safe precaution.

1 Kings 8:66 On the eighth day he sent the people away; and they blessed the king, and went to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that Yahweh had shown to David his servant, and to Israel his people.

(See bibletab.com/j/joyful.htm for a list of all verses with joyful in them)
 
Monica,

See all as gift. Give thanks to God for everything in your life, be it good or bad. If you cannot give thanks pray for the grace to have thanks.

Continue to ask for His grace to rest in His love.

Do all that you do out of love for him, make every action, every thought, everything in an oblation of love to the Creator. When one lives in love, humility, and thanksgiving, one will find that joy.

I by the grace of God am learning how to do this. I will pray that you find that joy and peace. Please pray that I may continue to grow closer to God too.

God bless.
 
I understand your mindset. Itā€™s hard to be joyful when everything seems bleak. What I do (along with prayer, of course) is try to be thankful for all little things. Iā€™ve even gone so far as to thank the Lord for hot water, socks, indoor plumbing (lol!), anything that we may take for granted. It makes me focus on those things instead of dwelling on the big negative things. For me, being joyful is a choice. Itā€™s not always an easy choice and I donā€™t always wake up cheery. Prayer does help with that.
Try to be thankful for every little thing. For health, every day conveniences, whatever you can think of. It helps me. Hope it helps you šŸ™‚
Praying for youā€¦!
 
Its not easy to always remain joyful.We have many difficulties in our lives that have to be faced and oftentimes we don.t know how to handle them.However to be joyful we must always believe that God is with us and our problems arenā€™t necessarily our fault but just problems God has given us so we can see our dependency on Him and trust in Him more all the time.Always remember that God will help us no matter how difficult our situation is and that the outcome is His will.
 
Being joyful doesnā€™t eliminate other emotions, although it might help curb a bad temper. Being joyful means being conscious of the constant love God has for you. You will still feel sad, angry, impatient, etc., but you live joyfully in spirit because you are always aware of God in your life. Being joyful does not mean being giddy all the time. It is that inner awareness of Jesus being your constant companion.
 
Itā€™s knowing that all of this, while created good by God, is passing away. Everything created is temporary, a shadow, which can go away in a moment.

A child gets what appears to be the flu and suddenly you are getting a diagnosis from an oncologist. A wife suddenly announces that she is leaving. A boss calls you in to his office, shakes your hand and says, ā€œIā€™m sorryā€¦ā€.

And when none of that matters to you because you know that life is temporary, when you become detached from the world, you will remain joyful no matter what.

-Tim-
 
Monica,

Timothy gave me an idea.

See all things in the light of eternity. How? By living in the Present Moment with God. For when one is in the present Moment, past and future fade away and it becomes just NOW. Which is the doorway into eternity. I know the saints have said it much better than I just did.

God bless.
 
You know, I donā€™t know what to say about that.

It is a topic I have been wondering too.

Peace and joy comes within the heart I guess. I feel peace and joy within my heart when I love God and love my neighbor as myself.

When you love God, you will think of heaven. Because you would want to unite with him, and see him face to face. You know, that we are the bride of christ. As a church, or as an individual. I am of a chinese descendent, if you want to know. Just FYI. 21 years old.

At the beginning of my conversion, I wish to die young, to see Jesus face to face,and be in heaven with him. Like St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Gemma Galgani, St. Faustina, St. Dominic Savio, St. Dominic Savio,

St. Dominic Savio died at the age of 15, and be in heaven with Jesus, and suffer:o haha, only for 15 years.

I would want to suffer less, that is why I want to die young and quickly leave this world that is full of suffering and crosses.

But because I renounce the cross of christ, I fell to the most horrible sins, and have to convert all over again. So at my second conversion, I choose neither to die young or old, I choose Godā€™s Will. I only want to love him, and do his holy will.

The writings of the saints has greatly contributed to this, to aflame the love of God, and rekindle it in my heart. I was lukewarm before. And this book, called catholicism, by george brantl. He made reference to many saints, and I was brought to deep contemplation by reading his compilation and work.

The works of the saints that brought me to conversion are three, The Autobiography of St. Anthony mary Claret, The Diary of St. Faustina Kowalska, And the Story of a Soul, by St. Therese of Lisieux.

When I focus on God and heaven, I think I imitate on the saints. I donā€™t know why I do that, but I only think that in this world, there can never be anything that can satisfy your heart save Jesus alone. Jesus alone suffices. Solo Dios Basta - thatā€™s what St. Teresa Avila said in spanish.

No I cannot speak spanish, I am learning though. Iā€™m trying to enter a monastery in europe, because the monasteries in Indonesia are lukewarm. And have no sufficient spiritual readings. Because most saints come from europe. Horrifyingly, europe had became a country of 20% atheist. I donā€™t know how to respond to that. To stay away from the country or to come to it.

It used to be CATHOLIC

Anyway, there is this piece of writing from St. Louis de Montfort that have helped me understanding Joy in suffering called Letters to Friends of The Cross

I like this translation better
montfort.org.uk/Writings/Cross.html

but it is rather hard to read

So there is this pdf form, still helpful
saintsworks.net/books/St.%20Louis%20Marie%20de%20Montfort%20-%20Letter%20to%20the%20Friends%20of%20the%20Cross.pdf

Translation matters, because when the person who translated it is holy, you can feel the beauty of God through his translation/writing. And things becomes simple. Because holy people are simple, and full of love.

I get this lesson from this Father, called Father Johannes, he is Indonesian too, of chinese descendent, but one holy priest. He write about the writings of St. John of The Cross and St. Teresa avila, particularly The Spiritual Canticle, the Living Flames of Love, about how God loves us as a spouse. Have you read the Song of Songs? It is directed to us, the bride of Christ. We are his spouse, his beloved. To whom he called, you are beautiful as a dove.

This beauty, refers to our soul. And our whole being, I guess, if we are in a state of Grace. And this is explained by Father Johannes, in the Mansions or Interior Castles, by St. Teresa of Avila. Where a soul in a state of Grace, is likened to a castle made of crystal, and the beauty is dazzling. Where God dwells in that castle, in the deepest recesses of our heart.

See, how beautiful it is? Father Johannes go to confession frequently, and is not ashamed to kneel before another priest to confess his sins weekly.

If you want to see him, he is on youtube, even though it is in Indonesian, you can just see his face, hear how he speak, and it will bring peace and joy.

youtube.com/user/fleabengep

He is holy and joyful:)

I think holiness brings joy.

And holiness is nothing but to do Godā€™s will

May the merciful Jesus bless you
 
Thank you for all the replies šŸ™‚

I think one thing that is really preventing me from having joy right now as well is knowledge of my past sinsā€¦ for example, I believe I have blasphemed Godā€™s Holy Name in a way šŸ˜¦ that causes me a lot of pain now, and Iā€™m always afraid Iā€™d be tempted to something like this again, and give inā€¦ I dont know how to just move on, even when I think I have been forgiven, I still feel really guilty about this. I dont know hopefully Confession will help, I am planning on going tomorrowā€¦ Iā€™ve been under a lot of temptation and sadly often fell into it, but a few days ago I really turned around and repented of everything, and God made me strongerā€¦ He put me in a situation where I had to choose Him without any feelings or encouragement, though He was supporting me by grace, and I did, and after this Iā€™ve been stronger against these temptations on my mind. I was tempted to blasphemous thoughts. But the fact that I fell several times in the past: that really brings me pain šŸ˜¦
 
Or we can thank God for the opportunity to do penance for our sins while still on earth through whatever cross we are bearing instead of having to do it in the afterlife which is 1000 times worse (so I hear!).
Also, instead of thinking ā€œWhy me?ā€ we can think ā€œWhy NOT me?ā€ Each person has her own load to bear - each load different, each cross different, but all an opportunity to bear the cross of the Christian
 
Monica4316 said:
Thank you for all the replies šŸ™‚

I think one thing that is really preventing me from having joy right now as well is knowledge of my past sinsā€¦ for example, I believe I have blasphemed Godā€™s Holy Name in a way šŸ˜¦ that causes me a lot of pain now, and Iā€™m always afraid Iā€™d be tempted to something like this again, and give inā€¦ I dont know how to just move on, even when I think I have been forgiven, I still feel really guilty about this. I dont know hopefully Confession will help, I am planning on going tomorrowā€¦ Iā€™ve been under a lot of temptation and sadly often fell into it, but a few days ago I really turned around and repented of everything, and God made me strongerā€¦ He put me in a situation where I had to choose Him without any feelings or encouragement, though He was supporting me by grace, and I did, and after this Iā€™ve been stronger against these temptations on my mind. I was tempted to blasphemous thoughts. But the fact that I fell several times in the past: that really brings me pain šŸ˜¦
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Monica,

Compunction of ones sins is much needed, but when it goes to robbing one of oneā€™s joy, then it no longer is compunction but something else. Compunction will always lead us to gratitude to God because of How Merciful and loving He is despite our wretched lowly selves. Compunction brings about peace.

Particular sins take time to break. And sometimes we gotta end up confessing the same things over and over again. Donā€™t fall into disappointment when you fall again, instead throw yourself down before the One Who is all Merciful and Loving. Know HE WILL forgive your sins and that you do not need to let them drag you down anymore.

As to falling into temptation, from a fellow faller into temptation greetings. Keep struggling. There are saints and there are strugglers, the saints are in heaven.

Walk as a child of God, one that is free and forgiven. Be at peace.

God bless.
 
I would love to know how to remain joyful, especially during times like this when I am grieving the recent death of my Grandma. I would love to be joyful but somehow it is rather difficult at this time.
 
Holly3278 said:
I would love to know how to remain joyful, especially during times like this when I am grieving the recent death of my Grandma. I would love to be joyful but somehow it is rather difficult at this time.
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Remain joyful by thinking about your Grandmother, and not yourself. If she was in good stead with the Lord, then believe me ā€“ sheā€™s VERY HAPPY. As we get older, we tire of the trip of life. We become like the kid in the back seat on a trip ā€“ Are we there yet? We are not made for this world. We are made for heaven. So, think of the joy your Grandmother is experiencing, and be happy for her. It doesnā€™t take some of the pain of loneliness from you, but since you want what is best for her, just know she is happy.
 
Blasphemous thoughts, Iā€™ve had that too. Especially at the beginning of my second conversion, I even thought as far as to combine dirty thoughts with Jesus. Yes I am that big sinner. But Jesus is very merciful. He knows I am in pain. He knows me. And he forgives and forgets. I have confessed this sins, and it occasionally comes up, but I just say, Jesus have mercy on me a sinner, and trust in the mercy of God.

Say to Jesus, I donā€™t want to go to hell Jesus. Save me:p
 
Holly3278 said:
I would love to know how to remain joyful, especially during times like this when I am grieving the recent death of my Grandma. I would love to be joyful but somehow it is rather difficult at this time.
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:hug1: My Nana passed away last month. I lived with her my entire life up until a few years ago and I miss her soooo much. It is difficult. Joy, in this life at least, does not mean the absence of sadness and suffering. Joy is an interior disposition of the soul. An awareness that God is with us and He is Good. His plans for us are Good. I recommend Adoration, meditations on the Passion, giving thanks for little things, and meditations on the Divine Mercy and Sacred Heart. These, at least, help me.

ā€œA clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within meā€¦ Give me back the** joy **of your salvation and a willing spirit sustain in meā€¦ O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praiseā€ (Psalm 51:12, 14, 17)
 
Something that helped me a lot was actually a statement I heard on EWTN. A caller called in and asked what blasphemy was and the priest said ā€œBlasphemy is believing that God canā€™t forgive my sins.ā€ Thatā€™s why itā€™s unforgivable. Because you believe in your heart that you canā€™t be forgiven, and prevent Godā€™s grace from coming into you. There are many definitions for blasphemy, but this oneā€¦ this one really drove it home to me.
 
Ths is a tough one. I think it is one that many people struggle with, however for me I have been more at peace since Iā€™ve learned to be thankful for the little things. Especially, since my older sister has been dealing with cancer. Sometimes tragedies like these put things in perspective.
Give it to God and mother Mary helps tons too.

I will pray for you.
Eli
 
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