It feels selfish and worldly to find joy in or for ourselves. Yet, we long to be joyful. When properly placed after Jesus and others, finding joy within us is a privilege. We honor God, others, and ourselves as we follow His plan for us. We find joy not only in Jesus and others but also ourselves when we honor the life He’s given us.
Finding Joy Within
It all begins with knowing Jesus’ saving grace. When we realize and appreciate the gift of Jesus and the salvation He’s won for us, we choose to honor Him with how we live. We follow His ways and commands out of respect and thankfulness. It’s not because we have to, but because we want to. The Psalmists said it well:
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. ~Psalm 16:11
I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart. ~Psalm 40:8
Following God’s commands and will are by no means easy or carefree. Living our lives for Him is often a more difficult path. But we can still find joy as we follow. The Bible gives us great examples of how to do this:
As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. ~Psalm 119:143
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. ~James 1:2
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. ~1 Peter 1:6
Pressure, stress, troubles, and trials do not conjure up joy for me. But we find joy in and as we follow, even through the valleys of life. We can live joyfully by following His will, knowing He’s sharpening and molding us to His likeness as we endure every trial or difficult choice. We sustain with the strength He gives us because we believe God’s way is higher, better and will lead us to who and where we’re meant to be.
Even when we don’t understand or feel joy, we know it’s still there, because Jesus is still there.
He always is with us and sent the Holy Spirit to abide in and continue guiding us. So we finding joy within happens not only when life is sunny and good, but when (not if) the storms of life come. Jesus told us not every step of our paths would be full of joy, but He has overcome this world and He’s with us each step of the journey.
Finding Joy within ourselves comes as we:
- rest in His promise to always be with us.
- tend to the gifts He’s given us in soul, mind and body.
- make wise choices with our time, diet, exercise, sleep, and other things we control.
- follow the path He has for us, even if difficult or unknown.
- put Jesus and others first.
We honor His way above ours. We seek to do His will by serving Him, others, and then ourselves.
Find joy within and for ourselves occurs by honoring, trusting, and following Jesus above all.
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. ~1 Peter 1:8
There’s no better way to find joy.
Loved reading about Joy in your post. I agree it has to start with obedience even when we do not feel like it. Happiness is fleeting but Joy is long lasting.
Exactly! Watch for next week’s post to dig deeper on that very concept! Thanks Maree!
Great article, Jill!
Thanks Rita! 🙂