The Good Life: Having Joy that Lasts

 Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NCV)

Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say. “More, more.” I have God’s more-than-enough, more joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees. At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep, for you, God, have put my life back together.

Psalm 4:6-8 (MSG)

God makes it clear and simple what he wants for us–to have joy! He knows what will make us truly satisfied, and not just what will immediately and superficially gratify our cravings for more pleasure. But how do we get this satisfying joy from God?

God’s Word Gives us Joy

Where there is no vision from God, the people run wild,  but those who adhere to God’s instruction know genuine happiness.

Proverbs 29:18 (VOICE)

When we are left to ourselves, we tend to get into trouble pretty quickly. We start constantly trying to feel good through what people think of us, television, food, success at work or school, but none of these instant pleasures last. We end up living a short-sighted life, only being able to see what is right in front of us instead of having vision for what we can do or who we can be.

We need a foundation in our life that satisfies those basic needs so that we are free to grow and live beyond ourselves. God gives us that foundation with the Bible. When we decide to obey the Bible and get our needs met there, we no longer have to be controlled by those other things that consume our thoughts.

What is consuming your life right now?

 Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,  so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.

Psalm 90:14 (NLT)

This psalmist feels satisfied every morning when he talks to God because he feels loved! When we read our Bible every day and look for ways that God tells us he loves us, we can have joy and satisfaction and it will actually last!

Read your Bible every day and in your reading look for at least one way that God shows he loves you.

Joy Comes from Honesty

Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,  whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

Psalm 32:2 (NLT)

When we are living hidden lives, we end up bogged down by guilt and feeling miserable. We are never able to have real friendships because no one knows the real us. When our lives are lived in complete honesty, God and people know us for who we are, so we are able to be truly joyful!

What do you need to be honest about in your life that will free you up to be close to people and God?

 This is a good life—my heart is glad, my soul is full of joy, and my body is at rest. Who could want for more?

Psalm 16:9 (VOICE)

God gives us the best tools we need to have joy that lasts. With truth and the Bible, we are able to be satisfied and live the good life!