These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. – John 15:11

Recipe for Joy

Preparation Time: A lifetime
Serves: Anyone hungry for something deeper than fleeting happiness

Ingredients

• 1 heart that has been worn thin by worry
• 2 cups of gratitude
• A generous handful of trust
• 3 tablespoons of surrender
• Several reminders of God’s faithfulness
• A pinch of childlike wonder
• Fresh mercy, gathered each morning
• The steady presence of Christ

Instructions

Begin by emptying your heart of yesterday’s burdens. They don’t improve the recipe, and carrying them only crowds the bowl.

Add gratitude, even if it seems like a small amount. A single remembered blessing has a way of multiplying when stirred slowly.

Pour in a big helping of trust. This ingredient is often difficult to work with because it can’t be measured by sight. Keep mixing anyway.

Next, add surrender. *Important! > Resist the temptation to substitute control. Many have tried. The results are always disappointing.

Sprinkle in reminders of God’s faithfulness. Remember the prayers He answered, the doors He opened, and the strength He provided when you thought you had none left.

Now add a pinch of wonder. Stand beneath the stars. Listen to birds in the morning. Consider that the God who spoke galaxies into existence knows your name and calls you His own. (Rainbows also work well)

Pour fresh mercy over everything. Don’t use yesterday’s supply. God’s mercies arrive new every morning.

Finally, place the entire mixture into the hands of Christ. This is the most important step. Joy can’t be manufactured by effort alone. It grows best when it rests in Him.

Chef’s Note

Many people confuse joy with happiness. Happiness depends on favorable conditions. The thing about joy is that it remains even when the weather changes.

Joy isn’ found by chasing it directly. It appears as a byproduct of walking with Jesus, trusting His finished work on the cross, and remembering that no matter what today’s circumstances may be – you belong to Him.

Serve daily.

P.S. Best enjoyed in the company of the Savior.