"For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking,
but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
Romans 14:17
A man came to his pastor for counsel. He said, "I don't know why, but I seemed to have lost the joy of life. I don't know what to do." The man had no medical or emotional problems. He had a good income and most everything that he wanted. His wife and family were doing well. His pastor told him, "Any of us could lose the joy of life. It doesn't come from wealth or the things we possess. It comes through our relationship with God."
Later in the conversation, the man honestly confessed a besetting sin in his life. The pastor shared the promise of God from the Bible to forgive the sins that we confess. When the pastor talked with the man later, he reported that the joy of life had returned. It was about his relationship with God.
Later in the conversation, the man honestly confessed a besetting sin in his life. The pastor shared the promise of God from the Bible to forgive the sins that we confess. When the pastor talked with the man later, he reported that the joy of life had returned. It was about his relationship with God.
The kingdom of God, or the will of God, is our source of joy through the Holy Spirit. In Psalm 51, the psalmist David confessed his sin to God. He said, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation" (Psalm 51:12). It doesn't require a heinous sin to rob believers of joy. It may be that we haven't put God's kingdom and will first in our lives. Jesus said, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).
Have you lost the joy of life? First, examine your life for anything that would be inconsistent with God's will and purpose. Does God and His will come first in your life? Confess any wrongdoing or attitudes to God. He is willing to forgive us and restore the joy. Believe that it's God's will for you to have the joy of life. It's a fruit of the Holy Spirit working in us.
God, fill us with joy.
