My prayer life was transformed when I truly understood what this means:

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.1 John 5:14

Now, my prayers and life are shaped to be sensitive to God’s will, not trying to shape God’s will to my desires, because it is pointless and glorifies myself over Him.

Obedience and submission to God’s will can significantly reduce anxiety and leads to an even more joyful life. 

Note that I said ”joyful”, not happy. You don’t have to be in a happy state to be joyful in the Lord.

Is Simple Faith Enough?

Understanding the doctrine of salvation by faith alone is a key component to a healthy Christian life. But where do good works fit into the order of salvation?

Salvific faith (vs simple faith, James 2:19) in Christ alone saves but it is always accompanied by good works as a sign of justification (e.g., Jas 2:24, Matt 15:18-20, Gal 6:4). 

The God-given gift of faith is the seal of salvation and preeminent over works (e.g., Eph 2:8-10, Mat 7:21-23).

Here is a podcast I did on the subject on The Everyday Theologian

@oddxian It takes more than simple belief to be saved #oddxian #theeverydaytheologian #salvation #solideogloria ♬ original sound - oddXian

Here is a good follow up article.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/do-paul-james-disagree-on-justification-by-faith-alone/