What Jesus Taught Me on a Zoom Call

I recently picked up a book written by a man who had a profound near-death experience. I was fascinated by the insight he received during his time on the other side! After reading his book, I found his website and devoured the blog content, which I found equally intriguing. Then, when I saw that he hosted free Zoom gatherings, I was excited to join one Sunday afternoon.

In the hours leading up to the call, I fantasized about the energy he’d bring. I mean, after all, this man was with God in Heaven! He must radiate the most amazing love and light. I couldn’t wait to experience it.

Finally, the call started—more than 300 people had joined!

This is going to be so interesting, I thought to myself.

And it was, except... there was no joy.

His energy felt heavy and mechanical. Not an ounce of joy radiated from him.

Now, don’t get me wrong—this isn’t a judgment. I realize that while he experienced a profound near-death experience, he is still living the human experience, which, as we all know, comes with many challenges. Nevertheless, after about fifteen minutes, I left the call.

As I sat with the experience, an important realization hit me—a realization that came from Jesus Himself.

If there is anything that He wants for us, it’s for us to live in joy.

Joy is more than a feeling; it’s a bridge to His love and guidance, and it lifts up all those around us.

Words are just that—words. But words that carry the energy of joy spread love, healing, and peace.

I thought I was joining a Zoom call to experience some kind of otherworldly enlightenment. But in fact, I was there to learn a lesson about the importance of joy.

Spirituality is a journey through ourselves, our beliefs, our traumas, and our existence as human beings. It’s a journey wrought with fear, sadness, pain, confusion, and loneliness.

And yet, Jesus wants us to reach for joy. In reaching for joy, we let Him in and allow His love and peace to flow through us and out into the world.

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." — John 15:11