Fullness of Joy
Finding joy in our lives is something that we all want, right? Whether it's through relationships, achievements, material things, etc. we often seek out experiences that bring us happiness. When we feel upset, people often bring us things to “cheer us up.” We’re always looking for ways to get out of the temporary sadness. However, those worldly things aren’t what’s going to ultimately bring you the joy you’re looking for. It might relieve you for a moment, but you’re always going to be looking for more. Why? Because there is a deeper and more profound source of joy that transcends temporary pleasures, and His name is Jesus. In this blog, we will dive into how finding joy from Him can and will transform your life.
“How do I find joy in God?” Well, it begins with putting your faith in Him and fully surrendering your life to Him. When we place our faith in God, we open ourselves up to a joy that surpasses all understanding. This joy comes from knowing that we are loved and cared for by a God who has a greater plan for our lives. It is a joy that allows us to remain constant even in the midst of trials and challenges, providing us with strength and hope. Placing your hope in God is knowing that this world and the things that come with it are temporary. The highs and lows in this life are fleeting. Yes, your “lows” may last longer than you’d life, or maybe it feels like your “highs” never come. But joy in God reminds us that on the other side of this earth (Heaven) comes with no sadness, no tears, no death. Only life and life abundant!
Surrendering to the will of God allows us to let go of our own desires and expectations, and instead, align ourselves with His better and higher purpose. It is in this surrender that we find true freedom and joy. When we release control to God, we no longer carry the burden of trying to perfectly plan out every aspect of our lives. Instead, we can experience the joy of knowing that we are in His loving and capable hands!
In Psalm 16:11 NIV, David writes, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” I want to have the same confidence David has in God in this verse. He knows that in the presence of God (both now and even more so when we get to Heaven) we will be filled with joy. The kind of joy that only comes when we walk in step with God and seek Him throughout our lives. The joy that we’re longing for will not be found away from God, but only at His right hand.
In a world that often seeks happiness through external, worldly things, finding joy from God offers us a different perspective. It is a joy that goes beyond temporary highs and good moods. Through faith and surrender, we can tap into a joy that is rooted in something far greater than ourselves and our circumstances. As we grow deeper in our faith and our relationship with God, we open ourselves up to experience a joy that can truly transform our lives and bring us the ultimate fulfillment we’re all looking for. So let us seek joy from Him and experience the abundant life that He has promised us!
Challenges:
Spend time with God. Fully surrendering your heart to God requires spending time with Him and deepening your knowledge and understanding of Him. Whether it’s 10 minutes or 1 hour, take time every day to be still and sit with Him.
Share the gospel. The good news of Jesus and what it means for us brings true JOY! When we share it with people and allow Jesus to use us as a vessel for that message, it is impossible to not feel joy!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for a new day where we can experience the joy that is found only in you! We praise you because, though we are sinners, you have saved us and allow us to have a relationship with you. May all that we do glorify you and deepen our faith in you. Thank you that even though we may walk through darkness and hardships, we can know that you are constant and that eternal pleasures are found at your right hand. May we seek you in all things. In Jesus’ name! Amen!