Jesus, Others, You

Founders Note: Today on the blog we have are monthly contributor Courtney sharing her heart on this month's theme joy. You can find out more about Courtney on are About page. 

I have a page in my Bible where I write quotes that are impactful to me. Years ago, I wrote in a little acronym. It is:

J esus

O thers

Y ou

It is something that is so simple and yet so profound. It addresses where our focus is. When your focus is right, then joy is the natural result.

Priority #1: Jesus 

It seems cliche to say that Jesus should be your number one priority, but it is something that we constantly need to remind ourselves of. We know this, but how often do we act like this? Far too often we run around our busy day with ourselves and our to-do list as our priority. Take a few moments throughout the day to pray and remind yourself of your first priority.

Matthew 22:27-28: And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment."

Priority #2: Others

Jesus Himself said that the second greatest commandment was to love your neighbor. Our first priority is to glorify God and our second is to serve. Our service to others is the fruit of the first priority. A heart that is filled with love and honor for Christ will overflow with sacrificial service towards others.

Matthew 22:39 - The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Priority #3: You

Once Christ is your first priority and others are your second, then you can think about your needs and your desires. But I daresay that if those two things are your priorities then you will hardly think about yourself.

Joy Stealers

Having the right focus will result in joy because we are obeying the Lord. When we obey the priorities He has set forth in Scripture, our obedience is rewarded with joy inexpressible of full of glory. This seems so simple! So why is it so hard to have joy? Here are a few things that steal our joy and prevent us from having the right focus. Today ask yourselves these questions and check where your heart is.

- Wrong Priorities: Am I focused on God's priorities or my own?

- Unchecked Sin: Is there ongoing sin in my life that I need to repent of?

- Worry: Do I trust in the Lord's plan for my life?

- Lack of Fellowship: Am I spending time with other believers rejoicing in what God has done for us?

- Lack of Time in God's Word: Am I spending time meditating on Scripture and learning about the Lord?

If any of those describe you, I pray that you would fix it and experience the joy that the Lord intends for His children.