Joy, the Ultimate Elixir

By Laura J. Bagby
CBN.com Sr. Producer

CBN.com – I’ve got that goofy smile on my face again and that Tigger-inspired woo-hoo-hoo-hoo attitude. Maybe I had better read the label on that bottled orange juice I just drank. I think mega doses of vitamins induce giddiness. Ah, there you go: 42 grams of natural sugar. Yowie!

Of course, all this wonderful energy that I am exuding might also be a case of a serious lack of sleep. It’s amazing what deprivation can do to your body. It’s like that shock of a feeling you get when you knock the wind out of yourself. All buggy-eyed, you gasp for air through fitful, sputtering coughs. I reckon a double-shot, espresso-laced macchiato on an empty stomach would give the same zingy effect. But I really wouldn’t recommend it. My tummy rumbles uncomfortably just thinking about it.

Anyway, it’s not the first time that people have asked me—sometimes in jest and sometimes in all seriousness—"What are you on?"

I remember distinctly having a laugh fest with some friends down at the beach on a balmy night a couple of years ago after a Christian coffeehouse event. A bunch of us girls were seated on a boardwalk bench doubled over, in tears laughing as we tried to stuff our still gritty toes back into our sandals after coming off the sandy beach. A quieter man on the bench next to us glared suspiciously. It was obvious that we were too loud, me being one of the more obnoxiously loud ones in the group.

After a couple of stare downs, I figured I would set the record straight, so I quipped jovially with all my gusto, “We are just high on life!”

By his perplexed reaction, I quickly gleaned that my statement had fallen on deaf ears. He probably thought I was drunk or abusing drugs at the time. Nope, not even close. And I honestly didn’t care because I knew the truth. I was just thoroughly enjoying the company of good friends, and reveling in being the sometimes crazy person God created me to be.

And I would say the same to my coworkers, who look at this Health producer and ask, ‘Can I have what you’re on?’

What I am “on” isn’t some secret health concoction. Yeah, vitamins help. Sure sleep will do it sometimes – or the lack thereof. A good caramel macchiato has its place. And I do believe that getting your heart rate up performing cardiovascular exercise releases those feel-good endorphins.

But, honestly, it is way more than that.

It all comes down to experiencing joy in the Lord, because that is lasting and it doesn’t depend on our circumstances or our efforts. As the Bible says, the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It’s fresh-brewed zest every day.

But it’s my choice and your choice whether we walk in that gladness or not. It’s our choice whether we believe that God is making us into new creations daily (2 Corinthians 5:17) and that His mercies are available to us each day. We can be at peace knowing that despite the yuck that might come our way, God is protecting, renewing, and progressing us toward His greater plans of a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

And the funny thing about joy is that it can bubble out of us during the cruddiest times in our lives. The day I was experiencing what looked like exuberant vitamin overload, I felt as weak as a noodle. Yet still my soul delighted in the Lord.

What about you? How is your joy meter? Is it openly obvious to those around you, or do you need a major boost of vitamin J?

No matter what your feelings, no matter what is going on, remember that you have a great, big God who loves you, cares for you, and is setting things in motion on your behalf. Choose to trust in Him today. No matter the season you are in, He has good things in store for you.

For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace (Isaiah 55:12a).

Comments? E-mail me.

How to Give Your Life to Christ:

1. Admit you are a sinner and need forgiveness.

2. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave.

3. Through prayer, confess that Jesus Christ is the only way to God and commit to live for Him for the rest of your life.

What to Pray:

Dear Lord Jesus,

I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose from the grave to give me life. I know You are the only way to God so now I want to quit disobeying You and start living for You. Please forgive me, change my life and show me how to know You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, please send us an e-mail to let us know. Or you can call our CBN Prayer Counseling Center at (800) 759-0700. We would love to talk with you and send you some resources to help you begin your walk with the Lord.

Laura J. Bagby produces the Health and Finance channels. She writes inspirational, humor, singles, and health articles.