Genuine Joy

This picture of Popa & Reopi was taken in 2007. Our ministry team lived with them during our time in Fiji. 

Genuine Joy
written by Chris Baker

What brings you joy? Does something appear joyful to you in the moment, when in reality, it leaves you feeling hallow inside? I can remember feeling this way many times in my previous way of life. I would go out partying for the night, get blackout drunk and wake up the next morning feeling terrible. Many times, I would call a friend to ask what happened that night, since I had no memory of it. I would often hear that I did or said something stupid. I am not saying this is everyone’s experience, but it usually was for me. 

Many times, the Enemy makes something look alluring, fun, inviting, so we dabble. Sure, its fun in the moment, until the shell of that alluring “whatever” fades away. Then we are left feeling hallow again. In hope of feeling joyful, we pursue it again only to repeat the same cycle. The Bible says the only way we can experience genuine joy is through obedience to Christ. This is exactly the opposite message the world tells us. When we are obedient to Christ’s teachings the natural result is genuine joy. 

I have spent time with people all over the world. Many of them did not have wealth, possessions, status, popularity, or any of the like. They lived simply, some without indoor plumbing or electric. Many of them only made two dollars or less a day. Yet, they are some of the most satisfied and joyful people I know. How could this be? Their joy comes from the Lord. They trust God at His Word. They believe He will provide for their needs and He does. They believe and live out what they see in Scripture.

Point being, we chase after many things in this life in hopes of feeling whole. We look to the wrong things for joy. True joy only comes when we learn to trust in God’s Word. Jesus said in Luke 11:28, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (NIV). True joy can only be found in Jesus Christ. We cannot put the cart before the horse. It is impossible to obey Christ without having an authentic relationship with Him! Furthermore, Scripture says that we can have the very Spirit of God living and dwelling within us 1 Corinthians 3:16. His Spirit is what enables us to live obedient lives according to His Word. This cannot be done in our own strength! 

If you are a Christian, and have no real sense of joy, then I would encourage you to examine your walk with the Lord. Are you being obedient to His Word? Has He asked you to do something that you are currently not doing? Ask the Lord to search your heart and to reveal any disobedience to you. Sometimes we do not even realize that we are living this way. 

If we trust God at His Word, seek to obey Christ through the power of His Spirit at work within us, then we will come to experience the true genuine joy of the Lord! 

Please click here, to learn more about beginning a relationship with Jesus.

 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 15:13

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 

1 Peter 1:8-9