JoySample

Joy Discovered

It’s one thing to crack a smile at a child’s shameless expression of sheer joy. It’s a different thing altogether to be the joy-filled child. We’ve put in some effort to define joy, but let’s switch gears and allow joy to define us.

Human history will come to a glorious end when Christ returns; that’s the future hope we hold onto, but finding joy while we’re still in the middle of pain, challenges, and sacrifices is difficult.

How do we find the strength to obey the single most repeated command in Scripture: the command to rejoice?

God’s Spirit is the one who empowers us to do what we never could. As we’ve seen in the Christmas story, things that seem impossible suddenly become a reality when God shows up. The Bible describes Jesus as the Son of God anointed with the oil of joy. This should give our hearts hope! We have a Savior acquainted with grief but anointed with joy- the same joy he promises to give to us in our grief.

When his promises turn from general statements into personal guarantees, we begin to discover and experience first-hand the true joy Jesus is talking about. As the shift takes place, his promises show up in I am statements that define us:

I am the one God will never leave or forsake.

I am the one with peace that surpasses understanding.

I am the clay jar filled with resurrection power.

I am the child he loves to give good gifts to.

I am clean, forgiven, justified, inseparable from his love!

Because of these truths, no matter what circumstances we might face, we can relish a life of true joy in the Christmas season and the days beyond. Jesus is anointed with joy, and by the power of his Spirit, we have his anointing and joy inside us. A true joy that nothing can rob from us.

Reflection: Which promise from God’s Word do I need to claim today? Does it bring me comfort to know that Jesus was acquainted with grief but anointed with joy? What will it look like to be defined by joy in all circumstances?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the promises in you that are mine. Thank you for living a life of joy alongside the suffering you endured, and thank you for sending your Spirit to empower me to do the same.