Holy FireSample

PART TWO: Joy

○ James 1:2 (NIV)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”

○ Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

"Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

○ Acts 2:28 (NIV)

“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”

Our desire for joy in this life is ultimately a desire for Jesus.

On the night before he died, Jesus shared a final meal and conversation with his disciples. They didn’t understand that Jesus was about to die, but Jesus knew his time was short. He was on his way to the cross.

Jesus comforted his disciples and encouraged them to not be troubled. He assured them that although he was going away, he would come back for them.

At this moment, while He was preparing to endure unimaginable pain, what was on his mind? What goal prompted his last words to those he loved?

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

Jesus was concerned about our joy.

Let that truth sink in. At the height of his own agony, His love desired your joy.

Your joy matters to Him.

Joy begins with salvation and increases as we experience more and more of Him. Our desires begin to change. We long to know Jesus. We start to place our hope in heavenly joys rather than earthly circumstances. We begin to pray with thanksgiving rather than fret with anxiety.

This kind of joy Jesus wants for us is not something we can fake. It is not happiness that depends on our circumstances or moods but rather the fruit of a Spirit-filled and controlled life. It also doesn’t fluctuate with conditions.

The joy Jesus wants for us is joy that is secure, eternal, and abundant. Joy that gives us strength.

You may have heard the scripture: “the joy of the Lord is your strength”. This verse is found in Nehemiah and is after the children of Israel returned to Jerusalem from exile. They were listening to the law being read, were overcome with condemnation, and were weeping. When Ezra was reading the law to the people it produced sorrow because their lives and behavior were not in alignment with the law. But instead of being rebuked and condemned, they were instructed to celebrate because the joy of the Lord was their strength.

Maybe you have made some mistakes recently or in your lifetime. Can we encourage you today – the goal as a believer is not to be known for your perfect behaviour. That is unattainable. God wants you to be known for being His people.

God’s people had been separated from Him in exile for years and were finally reunited to Him. God had His beloved people back – He was celebrating, and He wanted them to celebrate too.

You might be feeling disappointed about what could or should have been this year. You may be feeling the strain of circumstances not going the way you thought they would. What if you were to see these trials as a reason to express joy? Let the joy of the Lord – the fact that you are His – bring you strength. 

This kind of joy is foundational in your relationship with God. It is the kind of joy that Jesus wanted for you.

A prayer for today: “Jesus, I want my joy to be in you, and may it be full.”