Simple Mind

In looking at joy as a state of mind and not an emotion of the heart. Understanding that we don't "feel" joy but rather something we choose and it is in that choice that God begins to change our heart...bringing complete joy and peace in the midst of our circumstances and trials. 

Have you ever had a friend who still lives somewhere in his or her past? Some people live in the glory moments of High School or College. Or there are some that live in the regrets of their past. Some dwell on there accomplishments while others run from the past to focus on the future.  We have the ability to get hung up on our past accomplishments, all the while being prohibited from being the person we are called to be. That being said, Paul takes on a view of this that lines up with a life of joy.

"Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things." Philippians 3:7-8

We can get all caught up on our past triumphs and accomplishments and rest in those, to the point where we are no longer taking new ground for the Kingdom of God. There was a time where I was constantly referring to past ministry experiences and accomplishments and not seeking the Spirit to go where he wants me. It is not a bad thing to think about the past or to use past experiences to help others but the problem lies in our ability to stay there! Paul had an amazing past which did not compare with what God was teaching him and how God was using him and how he was growing deeper day by day in his relationship with his Lord. His past pails in that light. 

One of the reasons we have a hard time being joyful in the present is because we are so fixated on the past. Our minds are cluttered by so many things, we loose sight of Jesus who we are to be fixated with and focused on. It is when this lethargy sets in that we can be overtaken with depression or guilt. 

That is why we are to constantly be focusing our lives on Jesus, our mindset should be simple...how can I live for Him today...who does He want me to serve today. The joy comes when we move focus from the past, and from the circumstances that try to rob us, to serving and loving Jesus. It is when we simplify our minds to this that God changes our hearts to match...and where your heart is there your treasure is also.