Today I want to start out talking about joy. Many people interchange joy and happy. There is a difference. Starting with the word happy, it carries definitions such as glad, pleased, very willing to do something and enthusiastic, to name a few. Remember that the English language often has many different definitions for a single word
The definition of joy is a feeling of great happiness or pleasure, a state of great happiness and a source or cause of delight. See, joy is greater than happy. I believe that joy is something that comes from within while happy is caused by something external. Joy is something that grows when you have a relationship with God. When you live in joyful obedience by loving God every day, no one can steal your joy, even when happiness fades.
Obedience Has a Reputation Problem
Now, I did mention the word “obedience.” In this day and age, many people equate obedience with restriction. Many people believe that obedience represents what we cannot do, may be punished for or will cause us to miss out on great fun. But that is just not true. Remember that obedience is a choice and often leads to good things. As a child, we are taught that obedience brings us safety and rewards. We learn this from the time that we are very small and it continues well into adulthood. We are awarded hugs from our parents and treats from our grandparents. School (and sometimes before that) teaches us that we get awards for being obedient. Work will offer monetary rewards, extra time off and sometimes even trips or other material things.
But Jesus connects obedience with joy. John 15:10–11 teaches us, “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (usccb.org) Jesus offers His love to dwell in us to complete our joy. We are the only ones who can let that go. It cannot be taken from us.
Why Obedience Produces Joy
Why does obedience produce joy? I often talk about alignment. Alignment reduces internal conflict while integrity brings peace. You know when you are doing what is right even when the world may be encouraging you to take another path. It gives you a great feeling. Trust brings freedom. When you trust in God and surrender to Him, you will be given more than you can imagine. Doors will open that you never expected to open. You will feel joy that is not like any other “happy” you have ever felt. Remember that obedience is not about earning love. It is responding to love and embracing it!
What Joyful Obedience Looks Like
What does joyful obedience look like? It is forgiving when pride resists.This is something that can be very difficult for us. Forgiving ourselves is often the hardest thing we have to do, but the rewards are great. It allows us to embrace the love that Jesus offers and invite that joy right into our heart. We are called to serve. Micah 6:8 instructs us, “You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (usccb.org) We are taught that we should seek reward for serving, but that is not how we are called to live. Joyful obedience is serving others when it is unnoticed. We do it because we love and because we are obedient.
James 1:22 clearly provides the key to obedience, “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” (usccb.org) That means choosing integrity when compromise is easier. We need to demonstrate with our actions. One of the hardest, everyday actions is being kind while driving. So many people are careless, inconsiderate and maybe just bad drivers. You have the power to change both your actions and reactions. Instead of getting angry, using words you shouldn’t and reacting negatively or aggressively, be kind and say a prayer for the other driver. This is a great reminder for me, too! Spend some time thinking about ways you can incorporate joyful obedience into daily life.
Small Acts, Eternal Impact
I am sure you have heard it before. This is not a new idea. Start small. Small acts can leave an eternal impact for yourself as well as for others. Consider how you can be a laborer for Christ. Spend some time in prayer considering how you can live in joyful obedience in the following areas:
- Work
- Family
- Private prayer life
- Attitude
How can you serve others in work and family? Consider how your actions can teach others to live in joyful obedience. If you haven’t developed a private prayer life, do so. If you have, how can you enrich it and make it more meaningful? Reflect on your attitude. How do you respond to others? How do you respond to circumstances or events? Ask yourself the following question: Can people see Jesus through your actions? Remember that no one is perfect and that life is a faith journey. Always remember that joy grows in consistency, not spectacle.
Live in Joyful Obedience
Loving God through the everyday will keep you on the path of joyful obedience. Joy is not found in self-rule, but it is found in surrendered alignment. Be intentional with your actions as well as your words. Learn to have and keep a positive and faith-filled mindset. There are a lot of distractions readily available to us. These are designed to pull us away from what we know is right. Keep positivity and faith flowing into your mind and body by making intentional decisions on what you watch, listen to and read. Be mindful of the discussions you hold. Learn to pause and to invite God into every situation. Let’s start today with prayer.
“Dear Lord,
Please guide my heart and my mind through this journey called life. Give me knowledge to know right from wrong. Give me wisdom to make the right choices. Help me to choose words wisely so that I speak life in every situation. I ask for strength to walk the path You have chosen for me. Allow me to feel Your nudge so that my actions reflect You in obedience. Let me feel the Holy Spirit and Jesus walking with me as I live in joyful obedience.
Amen.”
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