It seems everyone is seeking peace and joy for themselves. And they are good things. But they are byproducts of obedience and faithfulness and not something we can reach on our own. How then can we go about them then? Simply put, when we seek Christ and keep him in our lives center, we are blessed with peace and joy.

Paul Tripp has said, “Putting yourself in the center and making life all about you never leads to peace and joy.” Self-centeredness is the way away from peace and joy. I know, this thought is countercultural but it is true nonetheless.

“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both ^[b]inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. (Isaiah 26:3, AMP)

Peace and joy are byproducts…

Blessedly, God provides us the way out of our self-created messes: grace. Paul Tripp continues, “Grace works to put God back in the center.” Grace is God working miracles in our lives. When we ask for grace, God responds with generosity and pours out grace upon grace. Grace puts our lives back together. And when God is in the center, we will have plenty of peace and joy.

Peace and joy are the byproducts of obedience and faithfulness. Hence we need to stick to Jesus, faithfully and obediently. How do we do that? By reading the Bible every day. It is our spiritual food and will strengthen us for our faith journey. By conversing with Jesus Christ. Prayer is our lifeline to get through our days.

…of obedience and faithfulness

So peace and joy are byproducts of obedience and faithfulness. They are gifts from God when we follow him obediently and faithfully. God wants us to be blessed with peace and joy and other spiritual gifts. But they do not exist without Jesus. That’s why we can’t have them without following him closely.

So let’s seek Jesus with everything we’ve got. Obediently and faithfully, every day of our lives. And we will have everything we need. Including peace and joy.

Gracious God,
We thank you and we praise you.
Thank you for loving us so deeply that you keep on calling us to you.
Help us to understand there is no real peace and joy without Jesus.
Empower us to follow him with everything we’ve got.
Enable us to trust you with all aspects of our lives and to know you will provide everything we need along the way.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

P.S.

Dear brother or sister in Christ. Know that God wants what’s best for you. Seek Jesus and let God take care of the rest. You won’t regret it. Be abundantly blessed!