A Fruit In SeasonSampl

Joy

We all like being happy. The problem with happy is that it’s circumstantial. Happiness winks on and off like a firefly’s backside. Hitting green lights all the way to work makes us happy. Getting rear-ended in the parking lot makes us unhappy. A compliment from a coworker makes us happy. Being criticized makes us unhappy. Happiness hangs out at ball games and family reunions. But it’s an infrequent guest at funerals and in ER waiting rooms.

Joy is different. Joy isn’t a feeling. It’s more of a knowing. “For the joy set before him [Jesus] endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Jesus’ joy was knowing he was about to make peace between sinful humanity and our holy God. Did he feel happy when he anticipated the agony of the cross, abandonment by his Father, the weight of our sins, and death? No--he was overwhelmed with sorrow! But even in sorrow he knew the joy of doing his Father’s will: presenting the world with the forgiveness we could never earn.

And so a Christian’s joy is closely linked to Jesus’ joy. His joy was in giving that gift. Ours is in receiving it. We know--however dark our circumstance, however we feel--we have God’s favor and a heavenly home. From that knowledge grows a joy that makes our hearts stand tall even when pummeled by earthly sorrow. A joy that smiles in every circumstance.

Even at red lights.