Is My Life Fulfilling?
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
How would define life to the full? A definition of “fulfilling” is making one feel good inside, such as peace and joy. So I ask myself, “Am I filled with contentment and joy?” I would guess most people would reply they have contentment and joy, but not all the time, because it depends on the events in life. Does God want us to have peace and joy only when life is good, or does he want us have peace and joy independent for the world?
True lasting peace and joy only comes from God through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Since the Spirit is with us forever, we always have access to peace and joy, and all the fruit of the Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).
From the Word we read there is a time for everything, A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. (Ecclesiastes 3:4). So how are we to maintain peace and joy when the word says we experience weeping and mourning?
All of God’s people will experience hard times because we live in a fallen world. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33). Jesus tells us he has overcome the world so we can have peace. For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (First John 5: verse 4). Now if we are born of God, accepting Christ as our Savior and filled with the Holy Spirit, then we can overcome the world.
We can overcome the world but we live in the world and are subject to the trials and tribulations like everyone else. How does the peace and joy from the Spirit affect us when we experience weeping and mourning. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40: verse 41) How do we receive the strength from God when we need it the most, when we are in pain and suffering? This answer is given below in three steps.
- 1 John 5:4 tells us we overcoming the world by our faith. Trusting the Lord is imperative if we are to be filled with peace and joy. When we trust the Lord we know he will guide us through the storm and give us the strength, courage, and comfort we need.
- Trusting the Lord includes the freedom that comes from giving him control. The Lord guides us, helping us to make wise choices according to his will, and he takes responsibility of the outcome. This frees us from taking control and trying to get through the storm in our own wisdom and strength.
- If we are eternally minded and we will know everything is temporary. Heaven is our home and everything we do has eternal consequences. Therefore we walk with the Lord and we endure through his love, strength, and wisdom. This attitude of truth amplifies the peace and joy in our hearts and comforts our pain and suffering.
Today seek to live life to the full, filled with peace and joy from the Lord, and refuse to let Satan steal it from you. Reflect God’s love to everyone regardless of what may happen today. Trust the Lord and put everything in his hands, because he’s God and he loves you perfectly.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live life to the full, the life Jesus promises to those that follow him. Let the world around me see the peace and joy, along with the wisdom and humble confidence that comes only from you. Thank you Lord, your love is more than I can comprehend and your guidance is above my thoughts and ways as the heavens are above the earth. In Jesus name, Amen