Propelled Forward by Complete Joy

If you obey my commandments, you will live in my love... I have told you this so that you will be as joyful as I am, and your joy will be complete. Love each other as I have loved you. This is what I’m commanding you to do.

John 15:10-12 (GW)

Jesus promised us the gift of joy, but sometimes we may find it difficult to experience it. It is important to understand that joy is a spiritual fruit that comes from the Holy Spirit. Unlike happiness, joy is not dependent on our circumstances. It is a divinely supernatural quality that exists independently of external factors. Happiness, on the other hand, is a temporary state influenced by events and circumstances. It can fluctuate and change depending on what is happening in our lives.

The Hebrew mindset of joy is about our thought process and where we choose to direct our thoughts. If we focus solely on what we lack or what we wish we could do without, we will find little joy in our lives. However, if we make a conscious decision to find joy in our journey on this earth, we become a great example for others to follow. Joy is infectious and our world could use more of it.

What do you meditate on the most each day? This will cue you in on how your thoughts affect your attitude and your outlook on life. If you maintain joy by thinking on lovely things, you will move forward instead of backwards. We all must focus on the fact that God has a purpose for our lives on earth and that in Christ we will bear much fruit. If you lack a sense of purpose, you are more likely to experience depression and become a very dull person without much hope for your future.

Remember this: Change your mindset, and your life will change. Instead of fixating on the negatives in your life, count your blessings and be grateful for them. Because of Jesus, God forgave us, and we are forever His. Nothing can separate us from His love.  Take a few minutes to praise God because your name is written in the Book of Life. Share in the joy of someone else's victory. Take the time to serve the Lord with gladness when you serve someone else. Do it without complaining and not out of duty but because you sincerely want to serve. Afterward, check your attitude. Are you feeling lighter? Is there a smile on your face? Choose joy and put a spring in your step!