We have looked at how joy can come through sharing in gospel ministry with others, how joy arises in our lives as our lives are shaped by God's Word, and that there can be joy even in difficult circumstances. But how do we practically establish our joy in Christ? It begins with changing the frame of reference we have for thinking about "life". Biblically, life is not just our life on this earth. Life is the life we have in Christ, and although that life has begun it is still yet to come! The assurance and security of our life in Christ is what allows joy in Christ to supersede any and all circumstances of life. The sharing in that assurance and joy with other Christians only serves to increase our joy. The reality of life in Christ is what makes Paul say, "life is Christ."