What events have happened in your life that have been joyous? While each of us could share different answers here are two more questions to consider: 1) Is the joy that is experienced sustainable? 2) What could hold us back from experiencing joy?

Often times in society, many will get caught up in the latest trends that are popular. Time and time again those once popular trends go by the wayside. The joy those trends once brought no longer exists. How do we sustain joy in our lives? We are told that joy comes from Christ. In John 16, Jesus refers to this. John 16:20 says:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.”

In John 16:22-24, Jesus would go on to say:

“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

There are many things in this world that could bring us joy. With Christ in our lives we can experience a joy that will never be taken away. As we go throughout our everyday lives, let us be aware of what is sustainable for our joy and what is not.