Joyful living begins with trusting Jesus, the perfect Son of God, as your Savior through His substitutionary death on the cross. He paid for your sins to satisfy a holy and just God.
That gains you entrance to heaven, but it does not assure you a joyful life on earth until you fully understand and embrace your acceptance, security and significance in Jesus.
Without appreciating your identity in Jesus, you will be vulnerable to Satan’s attempt to lure you into seeking acceptance, security and significance in the world. Satan cannot rob you of your salvation, but without a firm footing in who the Bible says you are, he can diminish your peace and effectiveness as a disciple of Jesus.
Being regularly in the Word of God is key to living in victory. Prayer is vital. Also, it is essential to make every thought captive to Jesus.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) This allows us to dodge the beguiling attacks of Satan through various temptations and attempts to destroy relationships.
Always turn to God through His Word and prayer. Trust Him in all circumstances. There will be suffering and disappointment on this earth. Realize He is God and you are not. You are responsible for the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Find your satisfaction by giving Him your best as an act of love and then leaving the results to Him.