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Living Life with Joy
How Christians can live their lives with joy despite their circumstances.
I have a pet peeve about how movies and TV programs depict Old Testament prophets, Jesus, and New Testament Christ followers. They are often somber and joyless. We rarely see a movie or show where Jesus cracks a smile, let alone let go of a laugh.
Sure, Christians went through some terrible times of persecution in the early days of the church, but surely they had times of joy with their families and others from time to time. And surely a God who created an animal like a platypus has a sense of humor.
Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) that should bubble up as we live our lives. We are even supposed to be joyful during our trials and tribulations (James 1).
What Joy Isn’t
This world believes that joy comes from acquiring status, power, beauty, and wealth. Other people such as our parents or mates are supposed to make us happy. King Solomon had it all — the highest position in the land, women coming out of his ears, and wealth. Yet, he says these things are meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:1–2).
Sources of True Joy
Joy of Salvation
Our main source of joy should be our salvation through Jesus Christ. We have the promise that our sins are washed…
