On an intellectual level, I know focusing on Jesus leads to great joy. I don’t mean transitory happiness. I mean a deep and consuming joy. It is the state in which God means us to live (Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:11; Romans 15:13;). Joy was a frequent topic of Paul in his various epistles to the churches. He knew a life focused on Christ would be a life well-lived, a life worthy of Christ.
Conversely, a life lived in search of enjoyment, satisfaction, and accomplishment robs us of the very joy God intends for us to have. So, if we know this on an intellectual level, why is it so difficult to practice? “Jesus every day” should be our mantra. Nothing we do matters except what we do for Him.