Most of the time, our emotional happiness is based on our life's circumstances.

As we continue our week on the simplicity of love, today we'll be taking a look at the joy that comes from living a love-based life.

Once we know that God's love is for us always,

unconditionally, no matter what, our hope is secure and joy is ours for the taking. May you walk

in joy today as you lean into this love-based reality a bit more. Welcome to the First 15

podcast. Our scripture for today comes from Philippians 4 verse 4.

Scripture says,

Rejoice in the Lord always.

Again, I will say rejoice.

In God, we have access to the fullness of joy.

In Psalm 1611, David says to God,

You make known to me the path of life.

In your presence, there is fullness of joy.

At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

God has set out for us all a path to the fullness of joy found only in his presence,

and that path is marked by love.

We can have joy in and out of every season because God never stops loving us.

When we base our lives on the love of God rather than the thoughts, perspectives, and pursuits

of the world, we position ourselves to live filled with the joy

that comes solely through relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Romans 1417 says,

for the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,

...