Finding Joy

By Paul Chappell

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."

1 Thessalonians 2:13

For years people have been pursuing joy. Some seek it in hobbies or pleasures; yet one thing is true-no man has found joy apart from God.

Someone once wrote the following list of places people futilely seek joy:

In Unbelief-Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type yet wrote: "I wish I had never been born."

In Pleasure-Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure if anyone did, yet wrote: "The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone."

In Money-Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of money yet when dying said: "I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth."

In Position and Fame-Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both yet wrote: "Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret."

What brings joy? God tells us that living a life of humble obedience to His Word can bring joy no earthly thing can provide. Joy comes from serving God.

It may not be the natural choice to resist temptation and follow God's will, but at the end of the day it will bring you more joy. Joy is knowing you have a home in Heaven. Joy is seeing God work through you to change lives. Joy is being a part of God's plan in life. You will never regret obeying God over giving in to the devil's temptations. Only God's joy lasts beyond what this world offers.

Do you want true joy in life? Self-help books line the shelves claiming to know joy, yet true joy can only be found in obeying God. Choose to experience joy today by following God's commands.

Today's Rooted Principle:

The devil's offer of joy pails in comparison to the eternal, life-changing joy God offers you.