JOY IS AN INSIDE JOB

JOY IS AN INSIDE JOB

Hopefully, you have discovered that true contentment does not emerge from external circumstances.  Simply put, no person, thing, or situation in life can fully enact or sustain personal fulfillment for another human being.  The reason is rather obvious.  Any person, any condition, or any thing we encounter and experience with our five senses is temporary and transitory.  Eventually, all will die, depart, or 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 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 or superficial 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, productivity and prosperity.

 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 homes in which we reside.  As believers, we endeavor to make sound decisions that embrace 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 challenging spaces.

 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 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.  And 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!