How we cultivate and respond to our emotions shapes the way we live. Jesus came not to promise us ease or comfort, but to give us life in its fullness. As disciples, we are called to take every thought captive and faithfully do the next right thing.

Pain is not meaningless—it signals that something is wrong, and through it, God often does His deepest work. Every emotion we experience is a gift from God, and Scripture gives us the blueprint to direct our thoughts, which in turn shape our emotions.

At the center of these emotions stands joy. Unlike happiness, which is fleeting and circumstantial, joy is the fuel of life and the proper arrangement of our hearts in God. Solomon discovered that worldly pleasures could not satisfy, but Jesus invites us to remain in Him, that His joy might fill our hearts completely.

The Christian life is not about pursuing ease, comfort and pleasure. Instead, God produces greatness in us through suffering and trials. Hard times are the pathway to lasting joy. Denying ourselves, staying rooted in Christ, and enduring pain equips us for what lies ahead.

True joy is not found in escaping struggle, but in walking with Jesus through it. When we remain in Him, even suffering becomes a road to joy—a joy that steadies every other emotion and gives us strength for life.