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Do You Want to Experience True Joy?

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Are you experiencing real joy in your life? James 1:2-4 says that we can have joy despite the struggles. That sounds nice, but very few believers experience that kind of joy in their lives. Can we really find joy amid trials? The Bible says a resounding, YES!

But how?

My Struggles with Joylessness.

I have counseled people for almost thirty years. I have worked in Christian churches and ministry for even longer. I have taught in Christian colleges and universities. I know the answers. Yet, there is a difference between what you know to be true and how you are living day in and day out.

At times, I have struggled with joylessness in my life. Thankfully, I have not experienced deep despair or depression in quite a long time. However, there have been several times in my life where I have been tempted to find my peace and joy in other people, or circumstances, or things.

Sometimes I found myself looking towards relationships for my security. Other times, it was the circumstances of life (like frequent health problems that several members of my family were experiencing) that could distract me from Christ. At times, it was things that would be my undoing.

And as a result, I have, at times, found myself missing joy because at that moment, I was not finding the peace and joy found in Christ alone.

True and Lasting Joy

How many times, in the world, have you heard about the need for peace? However, the “peace” that the world offers is never secure or stable. The world’s peace is short-lived. It only lasts as long as everything is going seemingly well.

Peace with God

The Bible says that we can have real and lasting peace, first with God, and within, and even with others.

God’s Pefect Standard

God’s standard is perfection (Leviticus 19:2), and we do not have the capability to meet that standard on our merit or effort (Romans 3:23). We are helpless to fulfill His perfect standard. Added to that, we break His rules and offend Him day after day (Romans 3:9-12). As a result, outside of Christ, we are hopelessly separated from God, spiritually dead in our sin, and hostile to God. We cannot please God (Romans 8:8) or to live a spiritually fruitful life (John 15:4-6).

God is Just and Loving

But God made away, where there seemed to be no way. God is just, and He cannot overlook sin. And, God is loving, merciful, and gracious. The Father sent His eternal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to become a human. He was truly God and truly human (Romans 1:2-4).

Jesus Paid it All

Jesus paid the full price to save all who trust in Him by dying on the cross for the penalty of sin (Romans 5:8). God, the Father, accepted the payment Christ offered and confirmed that by raising Jesus from the dead (Romans 1:4; Romans 4:25).

Because of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can be in a right relationship with God (Luke 1:67-79; Acts 10:34-36; Romans 5:1). We can live in harmony with God because of Christ alone (Isaiah 9:6; Ephesians 2:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:16).  In Christ, we have forgiveness of our sin; In Him, we receive the gift of eternal life and have access to God. We become members of God’s family.

The only condition to receive these beautiful gifts is faith. We must believe and trust in Christ alone for our salvation. We must repent of our sins and sincerely receive the Lord Jesus, in our lives (John 1:12).

Peace within

Not only can we have peace with God, but the Bible says we can have peace within. Instead of confusion, the Bible says that we can have wisdom which will produce an inner peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). The Bible also says that we can have a clear conscience and live in a state of rest in our lives (Psalm 4:8; Isaiah 26:12; 2 Timothy 1:2-3).

Peace despite Problems

Jesus said that, in this world, we would have problems; but since He has overcome this world, we can have peace in Him (John 16:33). He said that we can have the peace of God, and have a peace surpasses comprehension and understanding (Philippians 4:7).

The Scriptures say the peace we can have in Christ is not like the world’s peace, which is based on people, circumstances, or possessions (John 14:27).

We can have perfect peace, when we have sustained trust in God (Isaiah 26:3; Romans 8:6).

Bringing It Home

Joy is not fleeting happiness. It is not based on people, circumstances, or possessions. We can have a joy that is our even admist great sufferings and trials. The Old Testament author Nehemiah said, “…And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b)

Do you want to experience genuine joy? Do you have such a hope that is not a wish but a confident expectation?  A peace that is lasting and perfect?

I can tell you on the authority of God’s Word and suffieciency of Christ’s work that perfect peace, eternal hope, and unassaible joy is available for every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Peace and joy are a by-product of righteousness. It comes from being reconciled to God through His Son. If you want to experience genuine peace and joy, you must be reconciled to God by trusting in His Son and seek harmonious relationships with those around you.

Question to Consider:

Do you want that kind of peace and joy? Will you trust Jesus today?

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