It’s easy to believe that Jesus wants me to be moral but isn’t concerned if I have genuine joy. In fact, we believe that God isn’t committed to our joy but instead committed to our obedience, as if they are in contradiction to one another. Joy is a spiritual discipline and it’s a mark of obedience. Jesus is going to challenge the disciples to have joy in the midst of sorrow and it challenges you and I to wonder, “Why aren’t I experiencing a consistent pattern of joy in my life?” Although joy isn’t the immediate outcome in all circumstances, Jesus teaches us that it’s an inevitable outcome when you concentrate on Him.