Here are two more ways to increase the level of your joy:

1) Start serving others. If we live with a sense of entitlement, believing that others should serve us, our joy measure will be reading ‘empty’. Jesus said it’s in giving away your life to others that you find abundant life (see Mark 8:35). Paul reminds us: ‘Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do’ (Ephesians 6:7-8 NIV). Some of the happiest people are those who are busy helping others. Find a cause that sets off sparks of passion in your heart, that's greater than your own self-interest, and pour your life into it.

2) Share your faith with someone. ‘There is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents’ (Luke 15:10 NLT). Your greatest joy in life will come from trusting in Christ as your Saviour. And your second-greatest joy will come from introducing others to Him. Imagine sharing your faith with someone. They might not respond at the time, but you’ve still been the one to sow the seed of God’s Word. Later, they commit their lives to Christ. Perhaps you didn’t know about it. But imagine them meeting you in heaven and saying, ‘I want to thank you for taking the time. I’m here because you cared enough to tell me about Jesus.’ When was the last time you shared your faith with someone or helped lead them to Christ? If it's been a while, maybe now is the time to try again!

What Now?

Try sharing your faith by telling someone about your favourite Bible verse, what it means to you, and why you love it so much.