In my last I post said, Have you ever asked yourself the question: "How can I experience joy in my Christian life?" I have repeatedly been asked that question by many people over the years and it is a valid question. Well, the answer is Yes.”
We experience joy by communing with God through prayer. We experience joy by keeping our focus on God and godly concepts rather than on difficult circumstances or discontentment.
Jesus also gave us some instructions regarding joy. In John chapter 15 He talked about abiding in Him and obeying Him.
He said in John 15:9–11 (ESV) “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
One of the keys to joy is living in obedience to God. Some people think that obedience to God means a loss of freedom and fun, but that is the devil’s lie. Obedience from the heart to our gracious God results in great joy. As the Apostle John put it in 1 John 4:3 (ESV), “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”
Another way to experience joy in the Christian life is through community by working together. God gave Elijah rest and then sent a man, Elisha, to help him in 1 Kings 19:19–21. We also need friends that we can share our hurts and pains with us as it says in Ecclesiastes 4:9–12.
With our fellow believers, we hold firm to our faith, trusting in the character of God. We also encourage one another. Other Christians help remind us of truth, carry our burdens with us, and strengthen us to continue on. Life can be lonely and discouraging without people to share it with, but it is especially so when God is lacking in the equation.
Joy is meant to be a trademark of the Christian life. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and a gift of God. The best way we can receive this gift is when we focus on the truth of who God is, commune with Him through prayer, and rely on the community of believers He has provided.
Blessings and Stay Safe,
Pastor Chuck
We experience joy by communing with God through prayer. We experience joy by keeping our focus on God and godly concepts rather than on difficult circumstances or discontentment.
Jesus also gave us some instructions regarding joy. In John chapter 15 He talked about abiding in Him and obeying Him.
He said in John 15:9–11 (ESV) “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
One of the keys to joy is living in obedience to God. Some people think that obedience to God means a loss of freedom and fun, but that is the devil’s lie. Obedience from the heart to our gracious God results in great joy. As the Apostle John put it in 1 John 4:3 (ESV), “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”
Another way to experience joy in the Christian life is through community by working together. God gave Elijah rest and then sent a man, Elisha, to help him in 1 Kings 19:19–21. We also need friends that we can share our hurts and pains with us as it says in Ecclesiastes 4:9–12.
With our fellow believers, we hold firm to our faith, trusting in the character of God. We also encourage one another. Other Christians help remind us of truth, carry our burdens with us, and strengthen us to continue on. Life can be lonely and discouraging without people to share it with, but it is especially so when God is lacking in the equation.
Joy is meant to be a trademark of the Christian life. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and a gift of God. The best way we can receive this gift is when we focus on the truth of who God is, commune with Him through prayer, and rely on the community of believers He has provided.
Blessings and Stay Safe,
Pastor Chuck
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