Choosing Faith In A World Of WorryНамуна

God Calls Us to Joy and Peace 

We tend to think of joy as an emotion that comes and goes depending on our circumstances. But the Bible talks a lot about joy, and it never ties joy to our circumstances. In fact, it talks about having joy in real, everyday life—even when life is hard.

Jesus said, “When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:10-11). 

Galatians 5:22 tells us that joy is one type of “fruit” the presence of God’s Holy Spirit produces in our lives. James 1:2-3 tells us our call toward joy is not dependent on circumstance—we are to have joy even in the midst of suffering.

This joy God calls us to is different from the fleeting and circumstantial happiness we are tempted to pursue. It’s a deeper and more mysterious experience that happens when our spirits are in right relationship with God. Such joy is not a given for Christians—it can be disrupted by sin and by things like our choices to pursue the world’s cheap happiness instead. 

Peace is another byproduct of the Holy Spirit’s work in us and our choice to remain in step with that work. As with joy, Jesus extends us his peace and wants us to live in it. And it’s dramatically different from what the world can give us (John 14:27). But it’s impossible to be at peace and worried at the same time. 

How can we live abundantly, joyfully, and peacefully when we’re consumed by worry? Yet that’s the way God wants us to live in spite of the condition of this world. He isn’t stupid or delusional. He knows better than we do how poisonous our world is. To live with joy and peace, trusting God with the present and the future, is a countercultural feat that can be accomplished only through abiding in him. And this brings him glory.

From Anxious by Amy Simpson