Discovering Joy: Three Easy Ways With God
Last December, I had an enlightening conversation with my sister that helped steer me towards the right path as it relates to a particular area in my spiritual walk with God. At this very moment, I am sure everyone is contemplating what the conversation was about.
Ta da! It was about joy and happiness. There, she noted that most of the time, us, Christians, chase happiness instead of joy. She pointed out that happiness is just a feeling while joy is the real deal because it is a fruit of the spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22 NIV
She further explained that as Christians, we should make it a priority to chase after the Joy of the Lord. Bearing in mind that it is only with God’s joy that we can draw out of the wells of salvation.
Additionally, she said that if we keep pursuing happiness, we will never be happy because happiness is a feeling based on circumstances. It is a feeling that springs up when things are great or awesome. So, what happens on the days that things do not go as expected or you hear bad news? What do you do?
Hence, in order to experience the full benefits of salvation and keep our peace of mind, pursuing the joy of the Lord is a must.
I know your next thought is something of this sort, “this sounds fantastic but how do we uncover or go after this kind of joy?” Well, I have got you covered!
Below are three ways to discover the Joy of the Lord:
- Love God: In a love relationship, it is only normal to give your talents or material gifts to each other. Similarly, when you are in a love relationship with God, it is no news that He bestows His wonderful gifts like grace, love, peace, and even joy. Therefore, if you want to discover the kind of joy He gives, having a love relationship with Him is important. Today, choose to set your love on Him and experience His everlasting joy.
- Obey and trust God: One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11. I love it so much because it assures me that God is super intentional about me. Another great thing I love about this verse is that it urges me to obey God. I mean, God has already sorted out an expected end for me. This means that joy is included and my only part in this business is to trust Him and obey His word, and in the end, I will experience joy and every other good thing I want in their fullest measure.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
- Know God: Love, peace, joy, hope, and long suffering are all fruits of the spirit. Now, a believer can only access these fruits when you are in step with the Spirit of God. And how do you be in step with the Spirit of God? By drawing close to God and getting to know Him. Thus, acquaint yourself with the person of God and the fruits of the spirit which includes joy is yours to have.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-25 NIV
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