The Source of Our Joy
Have you ever noticed when things are going well we feel elated? Then as soon as hardships come we sink into despair. I find that my emotions are like a roller coaster. They go up and down according to what is going on in my life. But true joy exceeds the roller coaster of our circumstances. As a child of God, joy comes from a consistent relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Joy is a common theme in Christ’s teachings – He wants us to be joyful. Jesus tells His disciples in John 15:11 (NLT) “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” When our lives are intertwined with His, He will help us walk through hardships without sinking into unbearable lows and handle success without moving into misleading highs. The joy of living with Christ daily will keep us levelheaded, no matter how high or low our circumstances.
It may seem strange that the Apostle Paul, who was in prison and ill, would write so much in his letters to the church concerning joy. “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 (NLT). But Paul’s attitude teaches us an important lesson. Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him. Several times in his letters Paul urged the church to be joyful, probably because they needed to hear this then as much as we need the encouragement now. “Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.” 2 Corinthians 6:10 “They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.” 2 Corinthians 8:2 (NLT)
The key to immeasurable joy is living an intimate relationship with Christ, the source of all joy. “You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence. “ Acts 2: 28 (NLT). “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. ” Romans 15:13 (NLT) When we are intimate with Christ we will experience God’s special care and protection and see the victory God brings even when defeat seems certain. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT).
Let us take heart, when everything around us seems to be falling apart and our pain and suffering is more than we believe we can bear; may we remember that the Lord God, the source of our Joy, will strengthen us with all His glorious power so we will have all the endurance and patience we need. May we be filled with His joy, today and always.
Amen sis, well said.
Amen, Michele. If we keep our eyes fixed on the author and perfecter of our faith, we take to focus off of our circumstances.
Thank you for the reminder where our joy comes from.
Thank you for this, Michele. Needed the reminder today. Thank you so much! 🙂
Well said Michele 🙂 “The key to immeasurable joy is living an intimate relationship with Christ, the source of all joy.” I love that!!
It is interesting to think of Paul and what he faced and then to read what he wrote for us. Our troubles don’t seem to compare to what he was going through and what he shares is so encouraging.
John 15:11 (NLT) “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”
Oh amen. Thank you. This filled my heart this morning. Hugs.