One of the most important habits to practice, experiencing more joy in our lives, is obedience to God. To some, this may seem counterproductive because many people have a flawed view of obedience. We mistakenly think obedience to God is this boring life, just obeying God like mindless robots. However, the scriptures provide a freeing and more correct view of obedience, one that leads directly to joy in our lives. In one of His last conversations with His disciples, Jesus tells them to abide in Him, abide in His Word, and abide in His love. In John 15:10-11, we read:
“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:10-11 ESV)
In this verse, we see a unique connection between our obedience to Christ and experiencing His Joy. Our obedience to God is how we abide in His love, and when we abide in His love, we experience the fullness of His Joy. God wants us to obey Him, not because He’s some dictator, but because it is how we experience the joy He desperately wants to give us. Proverbs 10:28 says:
“The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.” (Proverbs 10:28 ESV)
Obedience leads to joy, and every time we turn from Christ, we turn from knowing His love and the joy that it brings. As believers, we will always have God’s love and joy, but disobedience prevents us from experiencing it.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for helping me to be obedient to follow Your Word, ways, and will. When I fall short or pull away from You, thank you for helping me to receive Your abundant grace and mercy that always invites me to draw closer to You again. Thank you for the unconditional love and joy that I can experience in You. In Jesus’ name, amen
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