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How can you close the Joy Gap? The Joy Gap is the distance between what you expect from life or from your job or your relationships, and what you are experiencing. It’s the reality that even when things are good, when circumstances are favorable—even then they don’t bring the joy and satisfaction you expected. There’s a Joy Gap.
But we’re not hopeless, we who are Christ-followers. We have the answer, but we have to put into practice what we know. Let me give you a few simple, practical ways to do that each day.
First, practice gratitude. Joy and gratitude are closely connected. When you intentionally thank God for what he’s doing—even the small things—you shift your focus from what’s missing to what’s already been given. So often we just focus on the negatives, don’t we? It’s our sinful human nature that drives us that way, but we don’t have to be victims of that any longer. Be thankful. Speak words of thanksgiving all through the day, even if you don’t necessarily feel them. And refuse words of negativity. Be careful what you say to yourself.
Second, guard your thoughts. If your mind is constantly filled with worry, comparison, or negative “what ifs,” your joy doesn’t stand much of a chance. The Bible teaches us to bring every thought into captivity and make it obey Christ. Dear friend, I encourage you to take that literally. When your thoughts start down negative territory, grab them and refuse to allow them to remain.
Third, stay connected to God all day long. Just take time—every day—to talk with him, read his word, and listen. And all day long send up one-minute prayers for his joy to fill you. Focus on it all day. You’ll find the Joy Gap closes the more you are aware of and practice the presence of Jesus.
And finally, live with purpose. When you’re doing what God has called you to do—encouraging others, serving, loving well—there’s a deep sense of joy that comes from knowing you’re right where you’re supposed to be.
And over time, you’ll notice something beautiful. Joy becomes less dependent on what’s happening around you and more rooted in what God is doing within you.
