Paul - “May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people . . .” (Colossians 1:11-12)
What would make you really happy in 2025? If you ask people what their #1 ambition in life is, most people will say, “I just want to be happy.” So, would making more money, finding a girlfriend or boyfriend, getting your dream job, or acquiring a certain type of car, house, or clothes make you happy? Those things may bring us temporary happiness, but we could only stay happy if we never had any difficulties. And as we’ve learned already this week, problems and difficulties will always occur.
Happiness depends on life’s circumstances, but joy is a deeper and better emotion that is not dependent on outer circumstances. Happiness does not improve our lives but only temporarily satisfies our desire for real joy. Joy enhances our experiences in life and makes them truly “enjoyable.” We should all want to live joy-filled lives because joy enables us to 1) live an enjoyable life, 2) have good relationships, 3) be a good witness for Jesus, and 4) survive life’s struggles (Nehemiah 8:10).
So, what does it take to live a “Joy-filled life”? One, developing an “attitude of gratitude” helps us to live a joy-filled life. Paul mentions that in Colossians 1:11-12 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Two, joy comes from giving to help others. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 8:2, “They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.”
Three, joy comes from connecting with other Christians in small groups like our Life Groups. Acts 2:46 reads, “They worshiped together at the Temple, met in homes . . ., and shared their meals with great joy and generosity.” Four, joy comes from being involved in serving others. The Lord said in Isaiah 65:14, “My servants will sing for joy...” (Isaiah 65:14). Five, joy comes from seeing others come to faith in Jesus (Luke 15:1-7). But the main source of joy comes from strengthening our trust in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20 says, “Those who trust the Lord will be joyful.” We need to always trust that the Lord will bless and help us in this life and the next life. And when we have faith in the Lord, we will live joyfully regardless of our circumstances.
Prayer - Lord, help me to seek to live a “joy-filled life” rather than a “happy life” so that I will live like You’ve called me to live and do all You’ve called me to do.
Reflection - On a scale of 1 to 10, how am I doing with living a “joy-filled life”? And what steps should I take to experience more of the Lord’s joy in my life?
