LIFE Posts - Joy on the path, part 2
Last week we discussed having joy on the narrow path – joy regardless of circumstances. Whether in good times when everything is going right, or challenging times when it seems nothing is going right – because of who we are as children of God, we can choose to be joyful. Such joy supersedes our circumstances, since it is in the Lord and His Love for us. With the right perspective, we can see that there is benefit in the challenging times because they focus our attention on our Savior; we also can see the risk of the good times is that if we slack in our pursuit of Him, we base our joy on our circumstances – which makes the challenging times that much more difficult.
This week we look a bit closer at this, and differences between circumstantial happiness and eternal joy. I’ll start by acknowledging that the Bible makes no explicit differentiation between happiness and joy.[1] A joyful person will be happy! Our study and focus will be on self-examination regarding what we’re seeking to obtain or be joyful, as well as how we’re evaluating the circumstances of our lives. To foster this study, we’ll force a perspective on the word “happiness” to be our emotional state solely focused on the current “happening” in our lives. Conversely, for this study we’ll consider “joy” to be a gladness that transcends our immediate circumstances.
If we force these perspectives on the words happiness and joy, we begin to see a tension. Certainly, we all can relate to having “good days and bad days” – there simply are some days where everything is going marvelous, and other days where it seems if things can go wrong, they are doing so. Most of us can also relate to saying or hearing someone say, “you just made my day!” meaning that you made them happy and shifted their mood or mindset by an action. Similarly, we’ve also likely all experienced the opposite with, “you just ruined my day!” More often than not, what happened to make such a shift in perspective wasn’t truly a big deal, but it was treated as though it was. This is the meaning of “happiness is in the happening.” Understanding this is a mindset or perspective is important for us to have, since we tend to allow circumstances to shape our entire outlook.
Allow me to share a few personal experiences. Over the years God has taught me many lessons about my spiritual life while I’m driving my vehicle. One such lesson occurred while I was driving to work in the morning. I am an early riser, doing so in order to have my quiet time of prayer and Bible study. Spending this time with the Lord and His Word sets me on the best trajectory for the day. On that morning going to work, traffic was much slower than normal, which meant I was running late. Being raised in a home where “early is on time” was the point of view, I began to allow stress to build inside of me because I wasn’t going to arrive at the office at my usual time of 7:00 am. When the person in front of me at the intersection caused me to catch the red-light because they were using their cellphone and not paying attention, I became livid and began yelling at them (inside of my car) as they drove through the intersection while the light was turning red. In this moment, the Holy Spirit broke through my rage and prompted me with a simple question: “Will you remember this event by lunch time?” He had my attention, and I realized that no, by the time I got to work and began my workday I would be focused on other things, soon forgetting what had happened. I answered Him with a simple, “no.” He then asked me, “then why are you allowing your joy to be stolen right now?”
Another experience, while driving, I was again caught up behind a slower-than-they-should-have-been driver and caught another red light. I said out loud to myself in exasperated frustration, “this light takes forever!” The Holy Spirit checked me and said, “Really? Time it.” So, I looked at the clock on my truck’s dashboard. One minute and fifteen second later, the light turned green. I felt the Holy Spirit observe to me, “so, forever is really just one minute and fifteen seconds, isn’t it?” Properly chastised and mentally and spiritually re-calibrated, I had a new and different outlook that remains today.
While somewhat humorous, these lessons taught me that my outlook on the day could be shaped by trivial circumstances that didn’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things. If I allowed anger to build over catching a red light, it was much more likely that I would be more aggressive in my driving later to “make up time.” If I caught yet another red light, or was cut off by another driver, or any other number of things that can happen while driving in a high traffic area, the anger would only build. I would be grumpy at work when I arrived and carry that grumpiness throughout the day – even though I would forget the event at the red light in less than an hour, I’d allow that event to set my perspective and direction for the day. The Holy Spirit helped me understand for all the “discipline” I may have exercised to dedicate time with Him and His Word first thing early in the morning, if I neglected maintaining discipline in my responses to the world, I would end up with an attitude and actions that showed no evidence of my time with Him.
Romans 8:3–9 (NLT) 8:3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 8:4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. 8:5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 8:6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 8:7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8:8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 8:9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) [2]
The fact that I could start my day by sincerely spending time in prayer and in God’s Word, but then soon after finding myself angry and frustrated highlighted the truth that my walk was straying off of the narrow path - quickly. In the bolded verses above, we see the choice we have before us – to walk by (or be controlled by) the flesh and its desires or by the Holy Spirit. In the typical busy lives we have, often we compartmentalize our thinking into the situation, location, or circumstances we’re in. This is how I could earnestly and truly be focused on God in my earliest morning activities, but then, when I shifted my thinking into a worldly one, I showed no evidence of my time with the Lord. I looked like every other person who was rude and impatient while driving. This is how people end up appearing “holy” on Sunday morning, but far from it at the football game right after. I’m sure you can come up with your own observations of inconsistency – in others as well as yourself.
The NASB 2020 translation of Romans 8:5-6 helps us see how to this inconsistency plays out:
Romans 8:5–6 (NASB 2020) 8:5 For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, [3]
When we are focused on fleshly things – setting our minds on them, the result is death. Immediate, physical death? Not always – but death in progress, death in relationships, death in attitude – absolutely. Said differently, having our mind set on fleshly things takes us off of the narrow path that leads to life. Conversely, having our minds set on the Spirit keeps us on the narrow path, becoming more like Jesus as we lay down and put to death the ways of the flesh, with joy manifest as we do so.
We must always remember that the Holy Spirit is living inside of us – and is always with us. We must culture and develop our relationship with Him. Relationships take effort – we clearly see that in our earthly relationships. We also see how those with very close relationships can communicate more to each other with a glance than others can communicate with many words. With the Holy Spirit living in us, we have the Creator of the universe making His residence within us. We too often allow our physical senses to guide us and take our focus off of this fact. As we nurture and develop our relationship with the Holy Spirit, we will move from compartmentalizing our lives into portions we include Him in our active perspective and communication to continuously engaging with Him. In the good circumstances and the bad. With our minds set on Him, the things the flesh demands us do – whether that be lustful temptation or angry frustration – get put down and don’t take hold of our focus and outlook. Our joy becomes consistent because it is rooted in Him, and not tied to earthly circumstances.
Application/Questions/Journal your thoughts
- We often allow ourselves to go on autopilot, that is, reacting to the circumstances around us more through physical instinct or habit than by spiritual discernment. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians for us to take every thought captive, which we can take to be instruction for us to evaluate every thought we have against what the Bible says about those thoughts. If a thought is in opposition to the Bible, we are to refute that thought and reject it. Just as knowing a person takes continuous time with that person in order to learn them, we too must approach the Word of God for what it is – Jesus (John 5:39-40; John 1:1-14). Consider your approach to the opportunity to spend time reading the Bible – prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit how to appreciate it more fully. In your conversation with Him, ask Him how can you demonstrate your commitment to Him through your time in His Word.
- When we make progress in our spiritual walk, and what used to be difficult becomes much easier for us, there is a risk of us relaxing our spiritual guard and going on autopilot. Going back to my growth in dealing with troublesome drivers; after submitting to the Lord, I began to pray before starting to drive, “Lord, please bless me on this drive, and keep me safe. May I truly be a blessing to the others who I share the road with.” I found that my drives were peaceful, regardless of whether other drivers were courteous or not. It was a huge win for me spiritually; however, after some weeks of this progress, though I kept saying the same prayer before driving, I was doing it on autopilot. My spirit wasn’t truly aligned to what I was saying – they were just words being spoken mindlessly. As such, my drives were less and less peaceful. Romans 8:6 says that “the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace” – going on autopilot doesn’t engage our mind. By re-engaging my spirit in prayer before driving, the peace returned to my drives. Are there any areas where previous spiritual victory in your life seems to have lost its joy of victory? Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit for revelation about any “autopilot” you’ve got engaged in your spiritual walk. How do we guard against falling into autopilot?
- Our flesh fights against our spiritual development. This is part of the trial and challenge of walking on the narrow path that leads to life and requires our effort to submit to the Lord and maintain proper spiritual order. One way we can prepare to deal with the fights the flesh brings is to decide in advance how we will respond to temptation or any opposition to the Word. For example, by adding to your daily prayer time a declaration that you desire to have your mind set on the Spirit and not the flesh, sets your mind on the Spirit. When challenges or temptations come, your spirit – submitted to the Holy Spirit – will be strengthened and able to recognize that the flesh’s attempts to take the lead. Ask the Holy Spirit for insights and understanding for what to pray for, and how to rely upon His strength, in advance of challenges that the enemy brings against you. Journal what He reveals to you and share with a brother or sister in Christ to be an encourager and an accountability partner with you.
Scripture of the week
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NASB 2020) 10:5 We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, [4]
Philippians 4:8 (NASB 2020) 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. [5]
Colossians 3:2 (NASB 2020) 3:2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. [6]
Isaiah 26:3 (NASB 2020) 26:3 “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. [7]
Psalm 19:14 (NASB 2020) 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. [8]
Psalm 139:23–24 (NASB 2020) 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart; Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts; 139:24 And see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. [9]
Psalm 16:11 (NASB 2020) 16:11 You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. [10]
Isaiah 61:10 (NASB 2020) 61:10 I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a groom puts on a turban, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. [11]
Weekly prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your Mercy, Patience, and Kindness with me. Thank You that Your joy – a fruit of Your Holy Spirit – is mine regardless of any earthly circumstance I find myself in. May I always be attentive to Your Holy Spirit, engaged fully and not distracted by the things of the world. Holy Spirit, thank You for living within me; I give You full submission – lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.
Freedom Facet
Circumstances during our time on earth will vary. There will be days where everything is awesome, and there will be days where things will seem dark and bleak. Through all seasons, God’s children have His Joy available for them. How we choose to view things is up to us – when we submit ourselves to Him, relying upon His strength and enablement, we can ask the Holy Spirit, “please show me Your view of these things so that I may grow in You.” By keeping our mind set on Him, we will have life and peace manifest through all circumstances – the seasons of good and the seasons of challenge.
Jesus's Freedom is for those who call Him Lord - those who believe in Him. If you’ve not yet accepted Christ Jesus as Your Lord, and would like to, say the following prayer aloud.
Lord Jesus, I confess and realize that I am a sinner, and without You, I am lost and separated from God. Thank You for going to the cross and dying for my sins – I ask for Your forgiveness for my sins, and I thank you and receive the forgiveness of my sins Your Word says is now mine! Holy Spirit, I thank You that You now reside within me. I lay down my will for Yours and ask for Your daily guidance and direction to make me more and more like You. Amen!
The Bible tells us that if we confess Jesus as Lord with our mouth and believe in our hearts that God resurrected Jesus from the dead, we are saved for eternity. If you’ve just accepted Jesus as Lord, know that heaven is celebrating right now (Luke 15:10)! Rejoice because you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and now have begun the process of sanctification becoming like Him. Keep coming back, as we explore Freedom facets and what our Identity in Christ truly is. Share this joyous news with a brother or sister in Christ and get connected in your local church! LIFE is yours!
Small Group Invitations - Week of July 5, 2026
Below are invitations to just a couple of Men's Small Groups that are happening this week, both a part of Celebration Church, Georgetown, Texas. If these don't work for you, or if you're not a Celebration Church, TX attendee - regardless of the church you attend - being a part of small group is immensely important! If you're not involved in one, I pray that you find one that works for your schedule and you get plugged in. Being connected in the local church will bless you immeasurably!
Tuesday Morning Men's Fellowship Group: 6am - 7am at Rudy's BBQ in Round Rock, Texas. Join us for a time of fellowship where we'll discuss the message from the Pastors on Sunday, the newsletter contents, or whatever is going on in the lives of the brothers meeting.
Friday Morning Celebration Men: We're back on-campus! Join us at the Celebration Church, Georgetown, TX campus Annex Friday morning at 6:30 am for breakfast tacos, coffee, and a message from our pastors. We conclude at 8am so people can get to work.
[1] Got Questions Ministries. 2014–2021. Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered. Vol. 2. Bellingham, WA: Faithlife.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. 2015. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[3] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[4] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[5] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[6] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[7] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[8] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[9] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[10] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.