The next key to our long obedience in the same direction makes the journey of long obedience more pleasurable. Eugene Peterson suggests that 'one of the delightful discoveries along the way of Christian discipleship is how much enjoyment there is, how much laughter you hear, how much sheer fun you find'.

Joy is a fruit of the spirit meaning because we are in relationship with God others should expect to see 'love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control' flowing out of our lives (Galatians 5).

We get joy when we decide to live in response to the abundance of God. And because our joy is from God's abundance, even in the midst of pain and suffering, we can be real about the pain and disappointment, whilst also knowing a supernatural joy.