Christians ought to be the happiest people on earth. They have a sure salvation, access to the Creator of the universe, promises of answers to prayer, a promise that everything works out for good, power to get victory over sin, and an eternity of living with God.

Many Christians, it seems, know very little of this joy in their daily life. Instead, they often are just as unhappy in life as are many unbelievers. Also, they are unaware how to get the joy that God wants them to have.

The believer’s joy may not be constant, but a Christian should have joy through much of the day. Some people think that becoming a Christian will rob them of joy and happiness. Far from it. Instead, they will gain a joy like they never had before.

Paul spoke much of joy even though he suffered much. The believer’s joy is not based on happenings or circumstances. It is internal because the Holy Spirit gives it. Since it is not derived from positive circumstances, believers often find that a lack of circumstances cannot take it away.

The text verse above says two things about the joy that God gives. God wants:

1. Your joy to remain – durable, not easily lost
2. Your joy to be full – not limited to a little bit – but maximum joy.

The world thinks that happiness can be gained by doing what you want – be your own boss. In contrast, the believer’s joy comes when we surrender to do His will – and are doing it.

Romans 14:17 tells us: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” This verse tells us that our joy does not come from feasting and partying (“meat and drink”), but from the Holy Spirit as we let Him live through us.

Although some people may wonder about it, God answers prayer. He has never stopped, but He may not answer all prayers in the affirmative.

The Word of God tells believers that prayer is a privilege of God’s children, but they are also expected and even commanded to do so.

The verse above reveals that two things are required if you want answers to prayer. Of course, the first thing is that you must be a child of God. This is a choice that you have made to turn from sin, call on God, admit that you are a sinner, and then trust Christ Who paid the price for your sin, to forgive and save you.

Then, we are told that God hears our prayers when we abide in Him. The word “abide” means to stay close to, not leave. Live consciously in His presence. People that would abide close to a holy God must be surrendered to Him and be willing to do His will.

A second requirement is that we must be focused on His Word. We must always be thinking about His Word. It does not mean that we do not think about anything else, since when we are at work, we are expected to be focused on the tasks given to us. That is the only way we can do our best. But when we are at a break, or have a few moments, our minds should naturally go back to thinking about the Word of God.

The only way that is possible is to have some Scripture memorized. That way, you can think about the Word at will, and not have to have a Bible in your hands. The primary reason God wants us to focus on the Word is because God answers prayers according to his will – which is revealed in His Word.

Once our minds are focused on His Word and will, then, and only then, can we ask for things that He is likely to answer. Do His words abide in you?

The above verse testifies of a principle of Christian growth. It reveals that there is a strong connection between prayer and your love for God. Failing to spend time in prayer is the cause of many believers turning from the faith and ceasing to live for God.

The more that a believer in Christ prays and talks to God, the greater the opportunity there is for growth in love to God. As you can see from the verse, the growth can come from seeing answers to your prayers.

The answers that will help you the most are those that come in response to very specific prayers – not general ones. When you only pray generally, you can never be sure whether God answered your prayer or someone else’s.

Before the answers to prayers will come, there needs to be close fellowship with God. Our relationship with God is built by time in the Word and prayer, and obedience. As you read the Bible, confession of sin is important as you find things that you should not be doing, and an application of things the Bible reveals you ought to do.

As things are subtracted and added to your life in accordance with the Bible, you will be able to see more and more answers to prayer. Avoid letting your prayers become a list of things you want. God wants you to get to know Him. He is so much more than a Santa Claus. Be sure to include a time of worship, including praise and thanksgiving, confession, and prayer for others.

Prayer needs to be two-way communication. It is this factor that will help enable you to be and stay strong in Christ. Victory is impossible without it. It is just as important that you take time to listen to God’s still small voice – or you may miss His directions for your life or for any situation.

Psalm 145:19 “He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.”

Both of the above verses reveal that God gladly fulfills the desires of some of His people. Yesterday, I talked about how God enjoys blessing His people – when they obey Him.

Some professing Christians claim that after they got “saved,” that they are free to do as they please. It is true that God will not force anyone to obey – but just like any disobedient child – they should not expect their daddy to either praise or bless them.

They seem to forget that God will eventually chastise them because He has promised to work in them to conform them to be like Christ. Paul said it like this, in Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” This means that He will continue to work in you until He takes you home.

What God desires is that His children grow in grace and let Him work in their lives. As you grow in grace, you will find that your desires become what He desires. As you learn to want more and more what He wants (remember “thy kingdom come, thy will be done”?), you will discover that He will gladly give you what you desire – often in answer to prayer.

This is very important when seeking answers to prayer. Notice also the aspect of respect for God in the second verse: “He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him.” Once again, here is the matter of having a right respect for God and Who He is.

If you would like God to answer your prayers and desires – are you really willing to do His will?