“Joy to the World” begins a classic Christmas carol.
Do you feel joyful? How has this year been? Do you feel you have much to celebrate?
When you’ve had a tough year, a year of character building, shall we say; it can be wearing, causing warring emotions inside.
As Christians, we know the “right” answer. We also know the heart is fickle and that emotions come and go. But when you’ve been in … a challenging place… for a very long time… months, years, decades… it’s hard.
Jesus knows. God knows. The Holy Spirit inside you knows.
Where can one find that elusive, evasive, coveted joy?
I have watched Christians with iron-clad faith struggle through this life. Physical ailments. Financial hardships. Friendships that aren’t loyal. Employers that took advantage. The list could continue…
Yet, against all odds, these dear souls possess joy. Pure, unadulterated, sincere joy. Joy that defied their circumstances. (Not that you would know the half of their situations unless you were blessed enough to pray for them!)
I have often heard a refrain from this saintly crew: “This world is not our home. This life is not all there is. We are simply passing through.”
That attitude is not used to give them license to not to care about others, themselves, or what God might author for their day. No, on the contrary! Despite the hardships, they are looking for opportunities to tell others what God worked out for them.
In the hospital.
At the financial institution.
How God provided a needed job.
How God answered their prayer in an unexpected way.
They declare joy from Jesus.
They emulate joy in Jesus.
They freely give joy through Jesus.
Even when you know what they’re going through, time spent with them is uplifting, never depressing!
That is joy.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need a little “joy jump-start”. When life is… character-building. I need reminded, “this world is not my home.” That I can indeed do anything through Jesus! That God will see me through and that He does provide for me, even when it’s not what I’d expect.
Do you, too, need a “joy jump-start”? No worries! He’s got you and He’s got me. He doesn’t mind reminding us! Let’s ask Him to do just that.Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for reminding me that despite my circumstance, I can indeed experience joy knowing You are in control. That this world is not my home. And that You will indeed provide all I need to do anything you’ve called me to… even when it’s journeying through the hard things. May I learn to declare joy, emulate joy and freely give joy through Jesus. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.