We live as individuals but share in the human experience. This post series asks the core questions of what, why, and how about this shared experience. After all, God came to earth as a human himself, to share that experience with us and bring us salvation through that human experience. So, join us today as we explore the core question… how do we get joy?
Our joy is complete when we obey God
Galatians 5 presents a clear distinction between those who act by the flesh (with sexual immorality, hatred, envy, drunkenness) and those who experience the fruit of the Spirit, which includes joy. And in chapter 15 of John’s gospel, Jesus tells his disciples exactly how to get joy:
10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
As we obey God, loving others as Jesus loved us, we experience joy – complete joy.
We get joy by taking every thought captive
Loving others is a command to follow, an action that others will see and experience. But our internal thought life also influences how we experience joy. Do you know how powerful your thoughts are? They are often the turning point between happiness and sadness, anxiety and peace. As we make every though “obedient to Christ” we get joy (2 Corinthians 10:5). This powerfully influences how we feel, how we act, our decision-making, and our internal experience of life.
We rejoice as we give every situation to God
Have you read Paul’s letter to the Philippians lately? This letter is all about joy. And yet Paul is writing it while in prison, close to death, alone and far away from his friends in Philippi. We see here that we get joy by giving every anxiety and fear to God, turning to him in “prayer and petition, with thanksgiving” as we present our requests to him (4:4-8).
Are you struggling to experience joy? Call us at (843) 702-0323 to learn more about our Care & Counseling Sessions or possible upcoming workshops and events.