Joy Flows

“A cheerful outlook brings joy to the heart, and good news nourishes good health.”

Proverbs 15:30

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• This passage from the Book of Proverbs is part of the chapter often titled, “A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath.” It invites us to accentuate the positive to nurture our own well-being and others’ also.
• Sometimes cheerful outlook is translated as merry heart.
• The Book of Proverbs is treasured because of its universal life wisdom and emphasis on developing a spiritually mature, emotionally healthy character. Imagine it as an ancient “Do-This-Not-That” compendium still applicable in our 21^st century lives.
• Joy is an element of Advent, the contemplative season which prepares us for Christmas. But even if Advent isn’t part of our spiritual practice, most of us desire more joy in our lives.
• Joy, the capacity within us to recognize and appreciate the goodness and fullness of life, isn’t dependent on outer events.We can experience it anytime, anywhere, even in less-than-ideal circumstances, because it’s our awareness of God’s unconditionally loving, infinitely compassionate presence in, around, and through every aspect of our lives.
• When we’re merry and joyful, we encourage others to “be of good cheer” also.
• In her July 2013 Psychology Today article, “The Science Behind the Joy of Sharing Joy,”Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, Emma Seppälä explains that we actually have three (3) times more positive experiences than negative ones. So, rather than glom onto the negative, she encourages not only listing our joys, but also sharing joy with others to boost mutual well-being.

Contemplation Questions:

As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:

• What negative experiences have I had recently?
  • Without any analysis, judgment, or strain, breathe deeply, and list, word map, or illustrate the negative. Note everything which comes to mind so you can clear it from your system and release it from your body.

• In what ways have I allowed something or someone to steal my joy?
  • Without any analysis, judgment, or strain, breathe deeply, and list, word map, or illustrate anything you’ve allowed to diminish your joy.
  • Then, list, word map, or illustrate at least three (3) things you can do to nurture your own joy.

• What joyous experiences have I had recently?
  • Without any analysis, judgment, or strain, breathe deeply, and list, word map, or illustrate everything joyous, no matter how small it seems, so you can feel and embrace each joy fully.

• As I contemplate my joyful experiences, what additional positive feelings do I notice?
  • List, word map, or illustrate each additional feeling. If your mind tries to slip into the negative, breathe deeply and gently refocus on the positive.

• As I continue contemplating my joyful experiences, who are at least three (3) people with whom I can share joy?
  • List, word map, or illustrate:
    • who these people are.
    • what you’ll do to connect with them.
    • which joys you’ll share with whom.
    • what their joys are and how they flow with yours.

• Who are at least three (3) additional people I can invite to share their joys with me?
  • List, word map, or illustrate:
    • who these people are.
    • what you’ll do to connect with them.
    • what their joys are and how they flow with yours.

Know as you use this devotional, you aren’t pretending that negative things don’t occur. Rather, you’re focusing energy and attention on what is joyful in your life because it benefits your well-being.  And no matter how you share your joy, let it reflect the wondrous presence of God you are, so your joy flows to others and welcomes them to be in that joyful flow, too.

© 2021 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.