Develop a spiritual workout:

By Rick Warren

Joy is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. There are four exercises that can help us develop inner joy. Do these four things for the next six weeks and see what a difference they make in your life. They worked in my life years ago when I made the decision to do them. If you do them, I guarantee that you will become a more positive, joyful person than you have ever been.

First, develop the attitude of gratitude. First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That is the attitude of gratitude. Notice again that we do not have to be thankful for all circumstances.

Psychologists say that gratitude is the healthiest emotion. Hans Seyle, the father of stress studies, claimed that gratitude produces more emotional energy than any other attitude. Haven’t you found it to be true that the people who are the most grateful are the happiest people you know?

I challenge you to look for ways to express gratitude this week and see what a difference it makes. Write a note expressing appreciation to someone, or make a phone call to tell someone how much he or she has meant in your life. And don’t forget to express gratitude to God. The psalmist says, “My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song” (Ps. 28:7). If you are not a joyful person, start singing hymns of praise to God and watch your attitude change.

Second, cultivate inner joy by giving. Jesus teaches us that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Someone has jokingly said that when it comes to giving, many people will stop at nothing. What does the Bible say? “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Why? Perhaps it is because we are most like God when we give, and he does not give grudgingly.

Third, develop inner joy through service: give your life to helping others. Jesus said we must lose our life to save it (Mark 8:35). Joy comes as we get our focus off our ourselves and concentrate on helping others.

The final exercise aimed at developing inner joy is sharing Christ with others. Jesus says there is rejoicing in heaven when a person comes to faith in Christ (Luke 15:10). My greatest joy came when I committed my life to Jesus Christ; my second greatest joy has been to introduce others to him.

1. We must yield to the spirit of God always.

2. We must do it by faith, it only works that way.

3. We must listen in faith believing he will speak.

4. We must be obedient to do what he says or leads.

5. We must read and learn his word, it gives faith.

6. We must stand no matter the circumstances.

7. We must keep walking forward.

8. We must rest in the peace of God, in his spirit.

9. We must pray that is what moves the hand of God.