We – as Christians – have EVERY reason to be joyful.
Living a Christ-focused life makes joy inescapable!
Our joy from drawing closer to Christ is so much better than mere happiness. Happiness comes and goes with life’s happenings. We get a raise, and we feel happy. We get a compliment, and we feel happy. But our joy as Christians stays in our hearts no matter what is happening in our lives.
Our Joy Starts With Creation!
Our joy starts knowing that God created a planet full of life, beauty, and balance.
Genesis 1:31
God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.
God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.
Our Joy Continues With Jesus’ Birth!
Joy is so inseparable from closeness with Christ an angel announced that Jesus’ birth would bring great joy to the world.
Luke 2:10-11
The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
Joy Is God’s Desire For Us!
Jesus’ work, teachings, and life reveal the truth that joy is undividable from Christian life. Here’s what Jesus said …
John 15:11
I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.
I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.
How Do We Create MORE Joy?
Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and we can increase our joy by drawing closer to God.
Obey God!
Psalm 19:8
Yahweh’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart.
Psalm 19:8
Yahweh’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart.
Praise God!
The joyful act of praising God creates more joy in our hearts and souls.
The joyful act of praising God creates more joy in our hearts and souls.
Psalm 100:1-2
Shout for joy to Yahweh, all you lands!
Serve Yahweh with gladness.
Come before his presence with singing.
Shout for joy to Yahweh, all you lands!
Serve Yahweh with gladness.
Come before his presence with singing.
Be content.
Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
Adjust Our Focus
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Love your neighbor by serving and giving.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
With Our Faith Comes Joy!
Faith in Christ brings salvation. It brings forgiveness of sins. And faith brings joy, even during difficult times.
James 1:2-3
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
Experience All The Joy That’s Yours Through Christ For God’s Glory!
Embrace the joy that is ours through faith in Christ. Living with joy will bring glory to God and help inspire others discover the source of your joy – a relationship with Jesus.
