Got Joy?

So often we can become down and depressed due to life’s circumstances, but sitting in church just the other day I heard an acronym that confirms joy is always within our grasp. You see all that’s required to have joy is to focus appropriately on Jesus first, Others second, then You.

Much like many of you, I initially struggled with this. Of course we are to place Jesus first, as Christians I believe we all can agree with that part. However, though it sounds good in theory I initially struggled with placing others before myself, and not for selfish reasons, but for valid practical reasons.

I thought, ‘how can I take care of others first if I haven’t first taken care of myself?’ Even in an airplane we are told to put our oxygen mask on first, then help those seated next to us if there is an emergency.

While we can definitely see the practical benefit of first taking care of ourselves so we can help others, I‘ve come to the conclusion that the premise of the acronym is less about practicality and more about the condition of our heart. If we have a heart that’s focused on Jesus first, others second, then ourselves we would lead a more fulfilling life and experience true joy.

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” - Matthew 33:36-40 NLT

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” - Matthew 6:33 NLT

Take a cue from scripture, true joy comes with proper prioritization…Jesus, Others, You!

The road to joy is paved with thankfulness and requires trust.

Discover how despite your circumstances, you can still have joy.