Most of us believe that joy comes because of improving our environment, but life constantly teaches us that it doesn’t. It may bring momentary happiness, but our common experience is that it’s only temporary. The pleasure of a new car, a new job, a new house tends to fade as we become used to it. But joy is an inner state of being.
One of my favourite Bible verses says: ‘Look to him and be radiant.’ Joy comes as we consciously choose to live our lives with trust in God, making God’s will our primary focus in life. It’s a bit like getting a suntan. You don’t have to take special courses or buy expensive equipment; you just expose yourself to the warm rays of the Sun. Similarly, if you want to know joy in life, you don’t have to wait until you win the Lotto, you choose to live your life for God, day by day, and joy follows.