The first way to experience joyful living is by placing yourself in the presence of the Lord. “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). This happens at salvation first and then every day after that as you grow in our relationship with the Lord. The second way is by praising the Lord even amid the difficulties you face as you walk this life with Him. “And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore, I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD” (Psalm 27:6). The third way you can experience joyful living is through repentance after you sin. When you mess up again, and you will, He wants you to come back to Him seeking forgiveness and restoration of fellowship. There is joy in knowing that, and even more so in experiencing that. Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” A fourth way to experience joyful living is living in the knowledge that as you face personal heartache or heart-wrenching situations these things will not last forever. “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalm 126:5). A fifth way to live with joy is to remember God desires to use difficulties to make you more like His son. James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” The trials are not joyful, but the result in you through Christ can be. A sixth way is to remember that the joy you can experience is the joy of Jesus Himself. Jesus said in John 15:11, “...that My joy may remain in you...” Lastly, you will experience joy as you live in such a way that you can hear these words when you stand before the Lord; “... Well done, good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:21). Joyful living is all about Jesus and His presence in your everyday life.
