Gladness of heart

Because you served not the LORD your God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things… Deuteronomy 28:47

You will show me the path of life: in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Psalm 100:2

Gladness of heart and joy has to come to the person who beholds the LORD and is thankful for all they have received from Him.

In Deuteronomy 28 it tells of the reason why God’s people could disobey the commands of the LORD and not obey His voice : it’s bcos they lost their joy. They lost their joy bcos they were no longer mindful of the abundance they had in Him.

And it doesn’t say they stopped serving God, it says they stopped serving Him joyfully and with gladness of heart.

Instead of trying to generate joy: rather, bow down before the King and take the time to be mindful of all that IS YOURS in Christ Jesus, thanking Him, and joy will accompany you and strengthen you, and motivate you.