It's a scary world we live in. Is it really possible to have joy these days?

Yes, it is possible. We can have the joy of the Lord. (Nehemiah 8:10) What is the joy of the Lord, anyway?

Hebrews 12:2--"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

In spite of the suffering that Christ endured, He was able to have joy because He could look into the future and see the result of His effort. We can have His joy today, by faith, as we let Him have charge of our lives. This joy supercedes our current difficulties and strengthens us on a day-to-day basis.

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11

Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:3

The Lord has anointed me...to comfort all who mourn
to console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness
Isaiah 61:1-3

• Start with a belief that you are greatly loved by your Creator. (Jeremiah 31:3; 2 Thess. 2:16)
  
• Give to those around you who need encouragement. When you are observing and listening to others, listen and watch for the cry of their heart. What is their underlying need? They might simply need a smile. Or they might need a note, a phone call, a visit, or a batch of cookies. Perhaps they need a friend who has time to listen.
  Blessing others is not always convenient. It often takes effort. But the rewards are worth it!!