A Joyful Heart

When you think about what it means to be a Christian, what comes to mind? For many, the response is some variation of "rules," "self-denial," and "no fun." Sadly, they are missing one of those "rules" they might like to hear: Set your heart on joy. Live it. And yes, have fun!

A relationship with God through Jesus brings joy—soul- and heart-deep joy. His Spirit empowers you to embrace joy, to make it real in your life by gladly accepting His authority over you and willingly following Him. As joy grows, so does your ability to accept that His guidelines are always meant to bless you, even when you can't imagine how. With reliance on His wisdom over yours, you're free to happily relax and truly delight in your day. You'll discover the joy of simple pleasures, the joy of God-sent gladness, and the joy of being you.

God made known His guidelines not to withhold from you, but to give to you; not to see you frown, but to see you smile; not to make life hard, but to make life nothing less than joyful. Will you let Him?

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This was an excerpt from Shouts of Joy–a book designed to remind you of the goodness of your heavenly Father.