Hey PPN Family,

I’ve been reading some books lately that highlight how the latest neuroscience research shows our brains thrive when fuelled by joy. As humans, we can sometimes be driven by negative emotions like fear, anger, or shame, but it’s hard to function at our best when that happens. When our brains are powered by joy, however, they perform at their very best.

On the night before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples:

John 15:11 (NLT)

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

It’s almost ironic that Jesus spoke about joy while His disciples were about to face the darkest night of their lives. Yet this reminds us that the joy Jesus offers is not dependent on circumstances—it’s available even in the toughest times.

Paul understood this deeply. While in prison, he wrote to the Philippians:

Philippians 4:4 (NLT)

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”

Imagine that—Paul, locked up in chains, encouraging those who were free to be filled with joy. Where did he find such joy? Just a few verses later, he tells us:

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Jesus was the source of Paul’s joy.