Path to Real Joy

All of us desire to be happy. In fact, most people turn to so many things hoping to find happiness. Oftentimes, we entertain thoughts that suggest we can only be happy if we are successful in our chosen careers or enjoying a higher-paying job, bigger house, new car, more successful business, more awards, a better spouse, or a partner in life. There are times when our search for happiness and joy brings us to wrong places which in the end bring so much pain and regrets.

I remember someone said, “Look around and be distressed; Look within and be depressed; Look to Jesus and be at rest.” Friend, if you’re earnestly looking for the path to real joy, here’s exactly what you need to know on which path to take and how to get there.

1. The path to real joy requires that we turn from rituals that have no response. Our fathers made us believed that Christ is not enough, and by doing rituals we can save ourselves. Rituals actually don’t get us anywhere. Oftentimes, it’s just a public show that we are somehow holier than other people around us. God’s Word, through Apostle Paul, says we have to cut ourselves off from the false gospel that tells us we need to observe meaningless rituals.
2. The path to real joy requires that we avoid religion that has no reality. Religion can’t even guarantee our pass to heaven. When it comes to religion, Paul could be considered one of the honor roll since he’s got impressive credentials. “If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eight day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them rubbish so that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:4-8).
3. The path to real joy points us to no other than Jesus Christ who is the source of real joy and contentment. Real joy is found in Christ. Hence, it must be Christ-centered joy. Real joy focused on the Lord and not in circumstances. It is focused on what God has given us, not on what we don’t have. Thus, in any situation, we experience joy and peace in the Lord. (2 Corinthians 11:23-25).

When we believe that God knows what is best for us and there is more to life than earthly things or possessions, we can then be able to keep our eyes on our past, present and future blessings. The secret to real joy is having Jesus Christ in our hearts, in our lives. If we want to find and experience real joy, let us turn to the source: Jesus Christ. We can do this by allowing Christ to come into our hearts in a simple prayer of acceptance. When we begin to have a personal relationship with Christ, our perspective in life will change. Through Him, our eyes can be opened to the reality of eternity and our life will never be the same. We can find ourselves counting our blessings and rejoice in what God has done, is presently doing and will definitely continue to do in our lives. Friend, if you really want to take the path to real joy, then I encourage you to place your trust in Jesus because He loves you and He knows what’s best for you.