Living Life by Design

“Living Life by Design” series.

We all want to live fulfilling, happy lives. ‘Happiness,’ wrote Aristotle, ‘is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.’ But I’ve experienced something even better, greater and deeper than happiness. Happiness is dependent on what happens to us – our circumstances. Joy is far deeper and is not so dependent on our outward circumstances. It is a blessing from God. Joy comes from a personal encounter with Jesus.

In Psalm 34:8 the writer uses a Greek word that we translate ‘blessed’. It means to be the privileged recipient of God’s favor, and to be fortunate and happy because of it. The Amplified Bible describes it as being ‘happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous – with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions’ (Matthew 5:3, AMP).

If your life lacks joy, it’s time you encountered Jesus.