The Bible tells us that joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5), but we can also seek out things that bring us joy and help us experience it more on a day-to-day basis. So, how can you find joy this Easter?
1. Practice gratitude
Count your blessings, name them individually, and you will be surprised by what the Lord has done. Try a ‘moan-fast’- whenever you find yourself about to moan or complain about something, stop yourself, think of something you’re thankful for and say that instead. Gratitude is a great way to remind ourselves of what we do have, instead of what we don’t.
2. Go to church
What better place to be during Easter than among the family of believers? If you want your joy tank to be filled up, try attending an Easter Sunday service, and even better, stay around after the service and say hello to someone. You never know who you might meet, and even if you don’t meet anyone ‘special’, you will be encouraged just by being amid fellow Christians.
3. Look out for others
The Bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive. So, why not reach out to an old friend or look for ways you can serve in your church or community this Easter? Serving others allows us to shift the focus from ourselves to others, and we experience joy when we make other people joyful. It’s a great way to share God’s love during Easter.
4. Experience nature
In my part of the world, Easter tends to fall around spring, when the temperature is beginning to rise slightly and the sun starts to make a more routine appearance. It’s a great opportunity to go out for some much-longed-for vitamin D, explore the countryside or city, depending on your fancy, and just enjoy the world around us.
Fresh air also boosts our mental and physical well-being, reduces stress and anxiety, and ultimately makes us feel better. Nature can help us find joy this Easter!
5. Treat yourself or do something you love
Something that feels special can add a little joy to life, and it doesn’t have to cost much. I love to treat myself to a nice coffee and cake occasionally, but while it may not do much for my waistline, it definitely tops up my joy tank!
For you, it might be buying something, immersing yourself in a good book, going to the spa, or spending some time doing something just for you.
6. Praise and worship!
God deserves our worship all year round, of course, but Easter is a great time to reflect on what Jesus did for us on the cross. So, take some time out to praise and worship Him. Put on your favourite worship album or Gospel radio station, sing and dance your heart out, and watch your joy tank fill right up!
7. Pray
Ask God to fill your heart with His joy. Joy ultimately comes from His Holy Spirit, and we can’t manufacture it ourselves. The joy that God gives is one that we can experience no matter our circumstances. So, if you’re feeling a bit down this Easter period, ask God to fill you with His joy. That is a prayer He will answer.
Perhaps you’ve been disappointed with your dating life so far, or you feel like you just don’t have much to be joyful about. If you can take some time to seek out things or experiences that bring you joy, including serving others and praising God, you will find that whatever your situation, you can find joy this Easter season.
How could you find joy this Easter?
Find more Easter reading on the Christian Connection blog: ‘What the Easter story teaches us about hope‘, ‘5 important things Easter teaches us about love’ and, if you’re meeting up with someone, here are some Easter date ideas to enjoy
