The Greatest Joy

As a Christian joy should be one of the hallmarks of our personal relationship of knowing Jesus. I know in my own life that one of the greatest joys is getting to know my Savior better through reading the Scriptures. Another great joy is spending time in fellowship with other believers and talking about the things of God. But by far the greatest joy that I have ever experienced is when I am being obedient to doing God’s will and know in my heart that by doing so I am giving joy to Jesus! 

Before I became a Christian one of the main reasons I used to do good deeds was to gain the approval of others for my actions. I think we are all wired with a desire to be well liked and have our works and character approved of. Now as a Christian my main motivation in life is to glorify God through learning what His will is for my life and then using my time, talents, and treasury to carry it out. When I do this something wonderful happens – joy floods my soul!

And I believe there are two main reasons why the joy of the Lord fills my heart to overflowing. First, is the personal satisfaction that I experience by being obedient to Christ and knowing that I am playing a vital role in building up and advancing His kingdom here on earth. And what can be more satisfying than knowing that I am playing a role in God’s eternal plans, helping others, and, accruing rewards in heaven!

And second, as I mentioned earlier, by doing God’s will, I am clearly giving joy to Jesus, and to know that I am putting a smile on my Savior’s face and bringing Him great joy brings me the highest joy imaginable. My friends it literally blows my mind that Jesus and I can exchange mutual joys and together delight in each other’s company and that this joy will last for all eternity!