Being Like Him - a 40 Day Lenten DevotionalSample

Joy

Joy is different from happiness. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and it is a well-established attribute within the Trinitarian family. When Jesus was born, the angels declared “Joy to the World”. Jesus speaking to His disciples on abiding in Him and His love says, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). The Bible evidentially declares that the fullness of Joy is given to us by God and it cannot be created. This joy that God gives is not reliant on our circumstances. Joy belongs to God and He is the constant source of our joy.

When Nehemiah affirmed that the joy of the Lord was his strength (Neh. 8:10) he was not doing it in the best of times when all was well for him and his people, but he was encouraging his grieving people about the joy of the Lord would be their strength.

So, the joy of a believer is very much the nature of Christ in him/her. One can bring joy to others only when he/she experiences it. Joy is not a feel-good factor, or the immediate rescuing from a difficult situation. It is rather the calm assurance that Christ gives even amidst difficult and conflicting situations. Jesus endured the unjust treatment and punishment with calm and grace because of the peace he experienced. We do not see an agitated Jesus because the Father strengthened him. Jesus was able to calmly talk even to Judas who was going to betray him. Jesus did not throw a tantrum.

How often do we lose our joy and peace and get agitated over small things instead of trusting God? How much of God’s joy do we experience and express with our family and friends especially when we lose our strength and become weak? To be like Him should make us display His joy.

Prayer

Lord, I confess I have pursued happiness thinking of it as joy. Joy is a gift you give and not something I can create. Please forgive my agitated response and unbelief in you over small things. Give me the grace to rejoice in you always. In Jesus name, Amen.