Words from the Rock
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 so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
John 15:10–11 NASB
Joy—real joy—can be almost as elusive as peace. It is one of those things people constantly seek out but is extremely hard to find. Sometimes people think they’ve found it when they experience a rush or a thrill or a pleasant surprise. The problem is that kind of joy doesn’t usually stick around for long. Now you see it, now you don’t. Unfortunately, that small jolt of joy can sometimes set people up to attempt to find it again.
Most of the time, joy seekers look in all the wrong places. They might try extreme adventures, alcohol abuse, sexual experimentation, illegal drugs, or other dangerous activities in the hopes of finding a real thrill. But even when they experience a counterfeit sort of joy, it never lasts. Consequently, they might get trapped into an addictive behavior—chasing after that elusive rush they imagine exists.
The joy that Jesus offers is real and lasting. This joy comes as the result of participating in a committed, loving relationship with him. When you love Jesus so much that you’re willing to live your life the way he wants you to, you will experience a fulfilling sense of joy. Sure, it might not be a giddy, crazy, roller-coaster sort of joy, but it will be authentic. It will be a joy that you can feel deep inside of you—a joy that will stay with you, bolstering your spirit during hard times. As your commitment to God grows stronger, it will be a joy that others will notice when they look at you.
Don’t be tricked into seeking a counterfeit joy. Go to God for the real deal.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Please help me not to fall into the trap of looking for earthly joy. Remind me that when I love and obey you, your joy will become part of my life.
Amen.
Final Word
Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
Hebrews 10:35 NIV
Stone for the Journey
God’s joy comes when I obey him out of love.