Finding Deep and Lasting Joy in JesusNäide

One of the keys to joy is living in obedience to God

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:9–11).

Many people assume that the more freedom you have, the happier you will be in life. And yes, it is nice if you can go wherever you want and choose which kind of job you’d like to have. However, absolute freedom (if at all possible) does not bring absolute joy.

We truly find happiness and fulfillment is we live up to the standards that God had in mind when He created us. Jesus says that someone who chooses to obey God (and thus to give up part of his freedom), will remain in his love and experience fulness of joy. He points us the best way in life.

Psalm 1 contrasts the life of sinners who do whatever they want, with the life of someone whose delight is in God’s law. This latter person prospers:

“He is like a tree

    planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season,

    and its leaf does not wither.”

Do you keep God’s commandments? Is this a burden for you, or rather a delight?