Genuine joy

It’s nice to have nice things.
A new this, or a new that, it can provide a jolt of joy.
But, the shelf life of that joy is short.

How many times have you gotten something you really wanted, only for it to lose its luster not long after?
It’s because things don’t satisfy.

It’s an endless chase of getting the next thing, to feel that feeling again…
That jolt of joy of something new.

But, I hesitate to even describe it as joy, as it’s such a fleeting feeling.
Give it days, weeks, at best months…
And then it’s…
What’s next?

It can be a slippery slope of not just looking for joy in things, but fulfillment.
And that’s why I’m writing this.

The devil distorts, and perverts.
He’ll use things as bait, to make you feel like they’re your source of joy, your source of value.
But, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Your joy, and your value, don’t come from the brand on your back…
It doesn’t come from the dollars in your bank account…
It doesn’t come from what you drive…
Or, what zip code you live in.

It comes from Jesus.
Period.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…”
(Romans 15:13, NIV)

Yes, new things are fun.
Yes, there’s nothing wrong with new things.
Yes, enjoy things.

But, don’t let the devil twist your perspective of them.
Don’t let him elevate them in your mind, to the point your emotions are tied to the things you have…
To the point your confidence is intertwined with what you can show the world you have…
That’s a devil infected perspective.
That’s a hollow life.

But, it can easily happen.

So, today, I just want to encourage you…
Keep things in their proper place.
Keep a proper perspective.

You’re a child of God.
You’re infinitely valuable.
You’re endlessly loved.
You’re special.

Jesus died on the cross, violently, the way it had to be, so that you could be free.

God has good things in store for you.
He has God-given opportunities, meant for you, ahead of you.
He has purpose in you, to impact others.
He’s never done with you.

Those are the thoughts you need to fill your mind with.
Those are the thoughts to remember.
That’s genuine joy.
That’s truth.

All the enjoyable things of the world are dessert.
Make sure Jesus in your main dish.
He comes first.

His proper place in your life puts everything else in its place.

Him at the center…
Makes everything else better.
God is good.

-Steinar


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