“I told them many things…so they would be filled with my joy.” John 17:13 NLT

Here are two more ways to increase the level of your joy: (1) Start serving others. As long as you live with a sense of entitlement believing that others should serve you, your joy gauge will be reading “empty.” Jesus said it’s in giving away your life to others that you find abundant life (see Mark 8:35). Paul reminds us: “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do” (Ephesians 6:7-8 NIV). The happiest people are typically too busy helping others to ask themselves, “Am I happy?” Find a cause greater than self-interest, and pour your life into it. If you do, your legacy will be much greater than your life span. (2) Share your faith with someone. “There is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents” (Luke 15:10 NLT). Your greatest joy in life will be the result of trusting in Christ as your Saviour. And your second-greatest joy will come from introducing others to Him. Imagine sharing your faith with someone. They may not respond at the time, but you have still sown the seed of God’s Word. Later, they commit their lives to Christ. Perhaps you didn’t know it. But imagine them meeting you in heaven and saying, “I want to thank you for taking the time. I’m here because you cared enough to tell me about Jesus.” You say, “I’ve lost my joy.” Question: When was the last time you shared your faith with someone or led them to Christ?

The Word for You Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from Celebration Enterprises, Inc. Copyright © 2024