Joy Is The Best Net To Catch Fish

joy, dance, abandon, retreat, attitudes, life

My spiritual director asked me, “What is one word that you want to be to the Church?” I responded, without hesitation, “JOY!” He smiled and said, “That is perfect. Joy is the best net to catch fish.”

Some of you might be thinking, “How can I be joy-filled when the world is filled with anger, division, and falling apart around me?” I humbly respond with, “When you live in the Spirit of God all day, joy cannot help but flow through you.” Joy is also prominent throughout the bible and in all circumstances, we must rejoice, be glad, and praise God.

Give Thanks for Your Blessings

In preparation for my daily mental prayer, I begin with my litany of gratitude for all the blessings God has bestowed on me. I sometimes get carried away with it. I begin with my life itself, faith, spiritual gifts, my husband, sons, my family, and extended family, etc.  I move onto shelter, material goods, finances, and comforts.  I thank Him for specifics like air conditioning, running water, hot water in the shower, indoor plumbing, refrigeration, and the food therein.

There is a physiological and psychological impact in our brains and bodies when we give thanks to our Almighty God for our blessings.  By doing this, we stir up the Spirit in our souls and our bodies react physically.  Give it a try and pay attention to your entire being as you pray your litany of gratitude.

True joy is a gift from the Lord. In scripture, we see that joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Joy comes from believing in God, belonging to His Kingdom, and knowing Jesus as Lord.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Give Thanks for Your Tribulations

Then I give thanks for the trials and struggles in my life. Because of the gift of faith, I know that something good is in store for me or those around me through these trials. I thank Jesus for healing me here on earth through my suffering and for the understanding that I can use those trials as meritorious acts to help save the souls of others. I thank God for showing me the wisdom of suffering and desolation. I thank Him for the hope that consolation is near and that the pains on this earth are for a short time. I thank Him for sanctifying me each day and for helping me see eternity as I live in this present day with Him. I pray each morning to live in the Spirit of God.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

I also reflect on what my life was like before I was enlightened with faith. I was miserable, fearful, anxious, worried, and insecure about every aspect of my life. I sought out to find ways to relieve the stress through sinful pleasures and the brutal cycle continued day after day. I give thanks for His redemption and for transforming my life. I thank Him for the desire to live in obedience to His teachings and to strive for holiness.

My lips will shout for joy as I sing your praise; my soul, too, which you have redeemed (Psalm 71:23).

I make a conscious decision to thank God during my morning mental prayer, throughout the day and in the evening as I reflect on my day. This has changed my inner life and God’s gift of joy permeates through me, especially as He shines a light on the ways I may have strayed. The more I pray, the more I live with God at the moment, the more He speaks to me and my heart is open to His grace in my life.

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer (Romans 12:12).

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit ( Romans 15:13).

Pray for St. Philip Neri’s Intercession

Did you know that St. Philip is the patron saint of laughter, humor, and joy?  He possessed playful humor, combined with a shrewd wit.  He was very spiritual and deeply rooted in faith. He considered a cheerful temper to be more Christian than a melancholy one stating,

A joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one.

In the Mass on St. Philips Neri’s feast day we pray, “Lord, keep us always cheerful in our work for the glory of your name and the good of our neighbor” (Sacramentary, page 638). St. Philip was known for his cheerfulness and sense of humor. He used these gifts to serve God and to help others grow in their faith. His feast day (May 26th) is celebrated all day with music, dancing, mechanical rides, and fireworks at his namesake church new Plaza Civica.

If you are struggling with laughter, humor, and joy, pray to St. Philip and ask for his intercession.

Seek Out Joy in Others and Be Joy 

Aren’t you attracted to people who are joy-filled? I migrate to those people who have a zeal for life, radiate joy, and are fun to be around. It is akin to a flame that attracts moths. We are called to be light and attract others to Jesus through us. We are called to be a disciple and make disciples. As already stated, joy is the best net to catch fish.

Our joy can be stirred in us through others and we can stir it up in others. We can be lifted up by the presence of God in people we know and through the media as well. Maybe I can be that person for you? My passion is to help others deepen their relationship with God and the Lord has blessed me to use all forms of media to help with this mission. Let’s walk together, putting Jesus on each day.

Join me daily on my 10-minute podcast, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow me on social media. You can watch or listen to me on the radio, podcasts, online conferences, or other events on my website. If not me, please seek out people who are joyful, obedient, and prayerful for inspiration. We are not meant to walk the journey alone.

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