JOY IS AN INSIDE JOB
Hopefully, by now you have discovered that true contentment does not emerge from external conditions or circumstances. Simply put, no persons, things, or circumstances in life can fully attain or sustain personal fulfillment. The reason is rather obvious. Any person, any condition, any situation and anything we encounter and experience with our five senses is temporary and transitory. Eventually, all will die, all will depart, or all will simply fade away.
What, then, is the optimal source of our joie de vivre? [Editor’s Note: “Joie de vivre” is a French
term meaning joy of life]. Our response to this question must begin
with the understanding that happiness and joy are not
synonymous. Happiness is temporary and conditional, based solely
upon prevailing conditions and our emotional response to the
same. Joy, on the other hand, is enduring and existential. That is, it comes from within. To
wit, joy is an inside job.
When we opt to invest precious time and energy in random and
frantic quests for happiness, we merely reap disappointment or
emptiness. However, when we make the wise choice to embrace the true
source of joy, which is unwavering faith in the person and power of Jesus Christ, we reap a fulfilling
harvest of peace, power, pleasure and productivity.
joy is the assurance that Christ is at the
center of our circumstances.
Therefore, joy sustains itself (and us) unconditionally. As
such, joy will not and cannot be based on external matters such as money,
clothing, cars, or the places in which we reside. As believers, we endeavor
to make sound decisions that embrace the only legitimate and lasting joie de
vivre. It is important to note that this path does not offer
immunity to problems or pain, but it does manifest the bright light of joy,
which provides divine perspective as we travel through unexpected or
challenging places.
Joy is an inside job! So, first of all, we must establish the fact
that Jesus Christ lives on the
inside via our sincere prayers for salvation, which grant Him
access and authority to be both Savior and Lord. Then, we must read
His Word daily and commune with Him constantly in prayer. Only then, will we walk forward with blessed
assurance and absolute confidence, knowing that GOD has our backs. HE
never ever fails!
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all
else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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