joyful life

This past week I’ve been struggling with and praying for my faith. The thought that keeps coming back to me is that life is so short, and it is important to live with as much joy as possible. Where can I find joy? The world can’t offer true joy—the people who think it can are depressed and hopeless. I can’t find joy in doing just what I want—selfishness does not breed happiness.

The only person who can provide me with everlasting joy is Jesus Christ. Why? He never changes. I never have to worry that Jesus will change His mind about me, or decide to stop being my friend. Jesus is my best friend forever. He always loves me. Other people in my life may be so offended by my sin that their love for me may decrease, but Jesus always loves me no matter what I do. Unconditional love.

His word provides comfort, joy, admonition, tips for living life, doctrine to live by, standards to uphold, and sins to shun. His word is the ultimate source of life, the ultimate guidebook. There is no book in the world like it, because there is no god like Him.

Jesus is a protector. Whom shall I fear? If God is for me, who can stand against me? Some people live in fear, but I know that my God is always there for me, and no matter what happens, He is in control. I never have to wonder whether I should respond in love or hatred, but I should always respond in love. Hate is only appropriate in regard to sin.

Why am I on this earth? The question of existence is one that most people ask, and yet I know the answer. I am called to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Enjoy Him forever. Have joy in my God forever.

What if I’m wrong? I still haven’t lost. Living a life of joy is something most people do not accomplish. What better way to spend my short life, than to live it with joy? I can have complete joy knowing that I have hope. This life is not the end. What a tiresome existence to be believing that this life is the only life. This life is just the beginning of a bigger story, of a bigger life.

Anticipation causes joy. I joyfully anticipate my entry into heaven. I joyfully anticipate spending all my days with the one Person who knows me best, who knows my struggles, who knows everything I’ve gone through, who knows just how wicked I really am and loves me anyway, and who never changes His mind about me. This Person loves me, and when I get to heaven, I will be surrounded by His love constantly, and my joy will be complete.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”-Romans 15:13
“Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.”-1 Peter 1:8

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”-John 15:11