JOY – Spelling It Right

Maria I. MorganBlog Archive, Understanding God's Plan

JOY – Spelling It Right


This month we’re exploring all-things joy. How is your joy-tank? Do you feel like you’re running on empty? Today’s post is for you. It’s an edited excerpt from my Bible study, Outrageously Fruitful, and I’m praying it refreshes you and fills your tank to overflowing.

Let’s dive in!

It's easiest to experience joy when I spell it right

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No, I’m not talking about the letters – j, o, and y. But putting those letters in the right order gives me the perspective I need: Jesus, others, and you. When I approach life by giving Jesus first place, then concentrate on the needs of others, God provides for my needs and the fruit of joy follows.

A Life Lesson


Remember mastering the art of spelling in grade school? Or maybe not. Well, today we’re exploring the simple word: joy. Not very difficult to spell, right? Oddly enough, it can be these short, seemingly easy words that give us the most problems.

Writing can be a very isolating job. It’s not unusual for a day to go by with very little interaction with others. Don’t get me wrong – I love what I do. And technology makes it possible for me to communicate with others via my keyboard. But if I don’t purposely schedule face to face time with people, I can become task oriented and retreat into my own little world.

A Mixed Up Mess


The more I have to accomplish, the easier it is for me to misspell ‘j-o-y.’ I get it all mixed up and end up with weird combinations like, ‘y-j-o,’ ‘y-o-j,’ or sadly, sometimes it’s ‘y-y-y.’ You know what I’m talking about – those days when we act like it’s all about us. 

It’s important to submit our agendas to the Lord, so He can schedule the divine interruptions we so desperately need. Hard to believe His interruptions will allow us to be more productive – but the emphasis is on what we’re producing.

Getting It Right


Time spent with the Lord in Bible study helps us get the letter ‘j’ in the right place. Jesus comes first. Prayer reminds us of the needs of others. So far, the letters are lining up in the right order, ‘j-o.’

Jesus comes first.

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Throughout the day, as we’re aware of the Holy Spirit’s promptings, we’re able to offer a word of encouragement to our spouse, share the gospel with the grocer, lend a sympathetic ear to the neighbor, correct our child in love, and still accomplish the work that’s required of us. With all the letters in the proper order, the result is beautiful:  joy!

A Word From God’s Word


Who could have guessed that a widow would play a significant role in the life of the prophet, Elijah? The Old Testament records the beautiful story of this widow woman who knew how to spell ‘joy.’ Although she remains nameless, her example is worth emulating.

King Ahab had led the children of Israel into sin. Worship of the false god, Baal was rampant. The Lord was very displeased, and so He sent the prophet, Elijah, to speak to the king. A severe drought would plague the land because of Ahab’s rebellion. Without rain, what would happen to the crops and streams?

A Brook & Some Birds


The Lord led Elijah to the brook Cherith, where He miraculously provided for him. Having bread and meat delivered morning and evening by ravens had to be amazing. But when the brook dried up, the Lord had further instructions for Elijah:

Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zion, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.1 Kings 17:9

Provision For The Prophet


When he got to the city gate, he saw a woman gathering some sticks. Weary from his long journey, he asked her for a drink. As she turned away to get him some water, he made one further request:

Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.1 Kings 17:11b

She didn’t hide the truth – all she had was a handful of meal and a little oil. Yet Elijah’s words confirmed what she had been told by the Lord.

Elijah encouraged her to make him some food first, and then make food for herself and her son. He reassured her with a promise from the Lord:

The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.1 Kings 17:14

The Lord had told her to sustain this prophet. She obeyed. By putting the Lord first, and the needs of others second, this precious widow woman’s needs were also met.

A Time to Reflect


How have you been spelling ‘joy?’ How does the Lord want you to respond today?

Can I pray for you?

Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding us of the proper way to spell 'joy.' Help us put You first, and others second, knowing that when we do, You'll provide for our needs as well. Forgive us when we seek our own needs first. We love You, Lord, and are thankful for the joy You provide. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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*Joy is one of the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22. Next week we’ll continue to focus on joy. If you’re interested in studying the fruit of the Spirit in greater detail, I’ve written a 10-week Bible study, Outrageously Fruitful, you can pick up here. Weekly videos accompany each lesson. Here’s a link to the video for week 2: Jesus, Others, You: The Right Way to Spell Joy

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