Promises for Those Who Follow JesusSýnishorn

Jesus promises us joy

We all tend to chase after happiness, but these feelings of bliss and pleasure are so elusive. Even when we capture the things that we think will make us happy, we find that they don’t deliver. Joy seems to work on a different level entirely.

Joy seems to speak to a deeper sense of contentment that is not based on our circumstances. It’s entirely possible to feel a profound sense of joy in situations where it would be impossible to find happiness. For instance, the writer of Hebrews tells us:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Because Jesus was motivated by what would bring Him joy, He endured a cruel death on a cross. Unfortunately, in our chasing after happiness, we tend to avoid difficulties that will eventually lead us to long-lasting joy.

Jesus wants us to know that our obedience will lead us to experience true joy. Like all His promises, we have to take this one on faith because sometimes our obedience will lead us to places we’d avoid if we just want to be happy.