These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full John 15:11.
Joy is something we have both naturally and spiritually. Natural joy comes from circumstances, whereas spiritual joy remains even when things aren’t going our way.
Jesus came to give us life, and He said that more abundantly. He came to give life as God knows it, full, rich, meaningful, and satisfying. He didn’t suffer the scourging and beatings so that we could live angry, worried, depressed, suppressed, stressed, frustrated, and aggravated all the time. Yes, life brings challenges, but Jesus came to give you empowerment to handle anything that life and Satan throw at you.
Some think the only way they can have joy is by having plenty of money in the bank, buying a bigger house or car, going on vacation, and wearing the latest styles. Many are doing that and are sad on the inside when they look happy on the outside.
Yes, those things are nice, but enjoying life is not based on emotions, events, money, or things. Life is a repeat. Every day life is about going to work, driving in traffic, coming home, cooking, cleaning, changing diapers, picking up kids from daycare, and helping our children with their homework. Making sure they bathe, brush their teeth, and retire for bed. Waking up to do the same thing the next day, and the day after.
It’s the ordinary, everyday life that God wants us to enjoy. Life has difficulties and disappointments, but God has given us the power of the Holy Spirit to empower us to deal with things that people without Christ find monotonous and frustrating.
The truth is, God wants us to enjoy our lives and place our trust and faith in Him. God will enable us to do whatever is needed in everyday life without becoming frustrated. Being around joyful people will help you keep your joy, rather than being around people who always have drama.
Learn not to take on other people’s problems, and make time for self-care. Love yourself and love others. Whatever you do, make God first in your day, and everything else will fall in place.