I love this statement that C.S. Lewis makes in one of his books: “Joy,” he says, “Joy is the serious business of heaven.” If I interpret that thought correctly, it means that heaven, namely God, is very interested in His people enjoying life. God wants us to live a joyful life, a happy life, a contented life.

I think one of the best ways we can witness for Jesus Christ is simply by being joyful. Many non-believers have the perception that Christians are sour-faced, angry people who live by a set of legalistic rules that keeps them from having fun. Who would want to follow a religion like that?

But, the Bible paints a very different picture. Paul says in First Thessalonians 5:16: “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. This is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.”

Now, we can’t do this on our own, especially when hard times come. But that’s the beauty of the Holy Spirit, the indwelling Jesus Christ. He gives us the ability to be joyful and hopeful, even in dire circumstances, because we have the promises of His Word.

Why don’t you ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit and therefore His joy today? When you approach life this way, then people will be drawn to the life of Christ flowing out of your spirit.