Introducing: Natalie Schmelzer
God likes new things! I want to have you meet a wonderful young woman who will be adding a new perspective to Real Women! Natalie will be writing a column with a two fold purpose in mind. First is to inspire other young women to take their place in the Kingdom, and secondly is to help those of us who are of a different generation to reach out to, encourage and open doors for the next generation. It will help join our perspectives, uniting us in hearts and minds.

“Joy: What is it and what does it look like?”

Joy, what is it about the word that causes the unsaved to cringe and the saved to want to lift up their hands and start singing their favorite worship song? In a generation of “my way or the highway,” and its all about “how I feel” we have lost the true meaning and understanding of what true joy is.

As I began to ponder and contemplate what I think true joy is, I realized how far at times I have drifted from God’s true intention for joy in my life. True joy is not merely an outward expression, but rather is the peace and happiness from knowing that God is the source and supplier of all of my needs.

If true joy can only come from having a relationship with God then how can we expect a godless society to understand and know joy?
One of the biggest lies that we have believed (Christian and non-Christian alike) is that joy is a circumstantial expression that is fueled by possessions, people or feelings. The word “satisfied” is no longer in the average Americans vocabulary. People will walk in complacency in order to find false joy, but they won’t be satisfied in who and what God has given them.

I think one of the biggest questions people have is, “how do I walk in a joyful attitude even when my life around me emulates one not of joy?” I believe that it all starts with your relationship with God. Living a joyful life does not mean that you walk in denial and pretend that everything is ok, but rather you are secure in your status and walk with God. King David spoke of joy generally when he was in between a rock and a hard place. He understood that joy was not dependant on his situation but rather on his heart and attitude.

It says in Hebrews 12:2: 2looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
Of all people Jesus had the right to feel a little saddened or distraught over His circumstance, yet He endured the cross because of the joy that was set before Him. Every great man or woman of God would tell you that there have been times when they did not feel like rejoicing and walking in the joy of the Lord, but the true victory came when they did not live according to their circumstances but rather the Word of God.

In a society that has been so broken by divorce, addiction, greed and complacency; God desires to reveal more then ever true joy. As believers we have the greatest thing in the world to offer, “LIFE!” No matter the circumstance or situation, we have received the greatest gift ever. The Lord came and redeemed us from the chains of death, and for that we should forever be Joyful.

Written by: Natalie Schmelzer, Medford, OR