The Gift: Advent Bible PlanSample

Joy

“Good news I can't tell where you at

Looking to the heavens tryna yell where you at

Why pain gotta chain us?

Will the unjust ever have to pay up?

Yeah, joy comes if we wait up

Even came in the flesh long ago to obtain us.”

Words have meaning. If we’re not careful words like “joy” can be misused and the meaning the word is meant to carry could lose its effect. For the sake of today’s study we want to arrive at a helpful definition of the word joy and take a look at why it is such an essential component of the Christian faith. In a year like 2024, where political and social unrest dominate our news cycle, joy can be elusive. But, if joy is rightly understood, it can have a profound effect on how we experience painful times.

For the sake of this study, let’s first understand what joy is not. We often confuse joy with happiness which is a positive emotion based on happenstance, or circumstantial happenings. Joy on the other hand speaks to a deeper satisfaction and security that neither comes nor goes with changing circumstances. If we understand this rightly, we are prepared to join in on the act of worship encouraged by this song. If not, we risk deep disappointment in our Christian walk.

The Bible encourages Christians to set our minds on “things above where Christ is seated,” because by doing so, we set our expectation on an immovable anchor. When Christ came into the world he lived a perfect life, and cashed it in for our eternal security. Because of this, we have the reward Jesus earned as our inheritance. We can’t fully realize it on this side of eternity, but we have a down payment in the Holy Spirit which walks with us every day.

When times get tough, we don’t have to look far to find satisfaction. It lives in us. The presence of God dwelling in our hearts speaks to a greater reality than the one we may see around us each day. Think about this: on a cloudy day, does the sun no longer exist? No. It exists above the clouds and when they roll back we’ll appreciate it’s brilliance and warmth once more. For the Christian, the sun shines on our soul now that Christ has come and purchased eternal security on our behalf.

No one can overstate the pain of loss and strife we’ve seen in the year 2020. This is why remembrance is also a key component to possessing joy. Think of Old Testament Israel who looked to God for deliverance despite oppression and captivity, even though it seemed like God was delayed. Consider the recent history of African American Christians enduring slavery and how they sang songs of liberation and worship despite the worst conditions.

Tradition tells us saints like Daniel in Babylon or Fannie Lou Hamer in America endured as they remembered the promises of God. Now we can join them in the line of believers who waited patiently for the Lord with joy as his perfect peace continues to unfold on this side of eternity.

Prayer: If the past year has threatened your joy, or brought about hard circumstances, pray and ask God to remind you of his presence. Feel the freedom to let the Lord know just how hard things have been for you and invite his presence into the pain.

If joy is not in short supply for you, give thanks and ask the Lord who he would have you go and tell about the good news you have and the joy you possess. Ask him to lead you into a generous mindset and show you how to use your time and resources to share joy with others this holiday season.