These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
What is the best advice you have received from someone older and wiser than you? Parents, friends, or family members often share words of wisdom because they are looking out for us. When we are young and don’t understand the purpose of boundaries, we can get frustrated feeling like the limits set by others are just to make our lives miserable or to be contrary to our desires. But these are usually attempts to love and care for us. Jesus’s way is not always easy either. It can feel limiting and frustrating at times to live a life of daily surrender; however, this always comes from a place of love.
Jesus calls us to remain in His love, daily following His way because He knows the best way for us to live. God knows the way to a truly joyful life because He designed it! The world tells us many things give will give us happiness like spending time with family, making money, or taking a vacation. These things may create passing moments of happiness, but only God provides the path to lasting joy. In His great love for us, He has shown us and given us access to life with Him. This is what we were made for. This is who we were designed to be. We can trust God’s instruction in Scripture because He knows best and His way always leads to life and joy. It may not always make sense to us, but we can trust Him.
- What would change in your life if you truly believed God’s way was the true path to joy?
- What are some things that promise joy and happiness but won’t lead to true life? How can you trust God with those things?
- Pray and confess the ways you seek contentment and joy apart from Jesus.
