I often struggle with believers (Christians) who walk around saying that God just wants us to be happy. I don’t think so. The Bible tells us that he wants us to be obedient. The result of our obedience [being doers of the Word, James 1:22], can be joy.  The fruit (result) of the spirit in Galatians 5:22 includes peace and joy. Yes, God delights in his children and our joy is complete when walking in the light of Christ.

Think about it. If God wanted His children to just be happy with no consideration for God’s ways of living, why did those closest to Christ have such hard lives and die very cruel deaths including Christ himself? James died by the sword. Other disciples we know were either exiled, murdered or martyred for their faith.

We live in fallen world; as such both believers and non-believers will have trials. Living without our eyes on Christ makes sadness sadder and loneliness lonelier.  Navigating trials is part of our journey. Going through trials in a faithful, obedient, God-seeking manner ensures that we don’t get stuck in the storm. We keep moving toward Christ who leads us to a greater peace and joy in the end.

Just a thought,

KK