The Center of My Joy

The essence of my thoughts does not refer to or imply any negative connotation regarding God’s amazing creation, only manmade offerings.

The title of this writing refers to something that most people strive for—joy in the beginning, middle, and through the end of life.  I cannot think of anything tangible that produces unlimited and lasting joy anywhere around me, or something that someone else has that I don’t.

A person that expects material things to bring them joy will certainly be disappointed, because satisfaction is limited and seasonal at best…nothing lasting.  I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Is that all there is?”

No matter what a person buys or something they obtain by hook or by crook to fill that empty feeling inside them, the temporary joy of finally securing the item or things wear off quickly.  Idealists then look for something else to satisfy that hunger in their soul, because of the unfulfilled search for lasting joy that did not come through.

That’s just the way it is, whether we like it or not.  No amount of money can buy true happiness or real joy.  No matter what we achieve in life, or how much money we have in the bank, or the fame that we’ve managed to achieve because of our talent, nothing can provide permanent joy except one individual.  His name is Jesus.

If things could satisfy the deep longing for joy that people seek, or peace of mind, or a home in heaven after death, the need for a Savior would be null and void.  Talk about void, God created a voidness or vacuum with every soul that is shaped exactly like the Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Lord knows exactly what shape that is.  Only the Trinity can fill this void to its full capacity.  Nothing in the world can do this, though millions of people try every day, but to no avail.  It is all in vain.  Their efforts are unsuccessful and impossible to achieve.  It’s an effort in futility.

Happiness and joy cannot be found in things of the world or in sinful pleasures.  Lasting joy flows to us from the throne of God.  Jesus is the water of life.  He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  The sooner people realize this the sooner they can find absolute fulfillment and peace of mind.

The joy of the Lord is our strength, and with it comes the peace of God that passes all understanding.  Non-Christians desiring joy, keep butting their heads against the impenetrable wall of resistance with no success when looking for enjoyment in the wrong places or in things of the world.

The preceding endeavor is called ‘self-gratification’, but as hard as they try, things cannot do it for them.  They will never find it in superficial, manmade things.

(Philippians 4:6, 7), “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” (vs 7) “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Jesus is the center of my joy.  It was impossible to find until I met the Lord and surrendered my life to Him.  He upholds me every day by His Spirit.

(Psalm 51:12), “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”

I’ve heard people say, “But I have to give up too much to become a Christian.”  In my humble opinion, we should be willing to trade anything we have to obtain “joy unspeakable and full of glory,” as the song goes, especially in a world of hopelessness and unfulfilled enjoyment.

A rich young ruler came to Jesus and wanted to do something good that he may have eternal life.  No doubt he was lacking joy.  When Jesus said to sell what he had and give to the poor and follow Him, he went away sorrowful for he had great riches.  He loved his possessions and money more than the joy and assurance of eternal life that Jesus had to offer.  (Matthew 19:16-22)

It is worth noting, salvation is free for the asking.  It is the unmerited gift from God to whoever asks Him to forgive their sins, and who accepts His Son, Jesus, as their Lord and Savior.  It does not cost anything to become a Christian and we need not trade or give away something we own to obtain it.

(John 3:16), “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

If you think you are giving up your freedom, think again.  The bondage of sin is like being incarcerated or institutionalized in a self-made prison, to suffer the consequences and negative aftermath that sinning brings.  There is no lasting joy when a person sins, only frustration, and when that kind of joy fades, all that is left is disappointment.

The chains of sin are hard to break within our own ability, but Jesus will break the chains of bondage and wipe the slate clean, regarding sin.  He sets our feet on the straight and narrow path that leads to heaven.

God delivers us from the prison of habits, anxiety, fear, and any other thing we struggle with.  Yes, we need lasting joy in our life, which produces harmony and fulfillment.  Jesus is the center of my joy.  He gave His life on a cross to be your center of joy also.  Ask and you shall receive. 

(Matthew 7:7, 8), “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (vs 8) “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd