Jesus said, ‘I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.’ The joy Jesus is talking about is unique: ‘My joy.’ And it’s fulfilling in a way that the world’s happiness isn’t: ‘That your joy may be complete.’ Being a faithful follower of Christ’s teachings brings inner joy that’s real and resilient regardless of the things that are happening to us or going on around us. We can’t be happy without being joyful, but we can be joyful without being happy. How’s that possible? Jesus had previously told His disciples that we enjoy a love which transcends all others - the love of our heavenly Father that’s unconditionally offered, and once accepted, is permanently experienced. Nothing can compare to the love of God. His love isn’t based on looks, personality, wealth, or even moral goodness. It’s offered without any preconditions. We can’t do anything to make God love us more, and we can do nothing to make Him love us less. Divine love doesn’t just give us a warm feeling. It’s constantly at work to direct us toward making wise decisions, to protect us from making poor ones, and to correct us when we make bad ones. God’s love guarantees His acceptance when all others have rejected us, His forgiveness when all others have judged us, and His mercy when all others have condemned us. When we bask in His love, we experience a wellspring of joy bubbling up in our hearts. And since the world didn’t give us this joy, the world can’t take it away from us.

What now?
When does your time with God feel most joyful? When you’re quiet with Him? When you’re worshipping loudly? When you’re praying with others? Whatever it is, find a way to build it into your schedule and try to do it every day.