Monday Morning Encouragement -- Third Week of Advent -- Joy

 

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'"

Luke 2:10


As part of our celebration of the Advent season, we're exploring the four themes of Advent: Hope, Faith, Joy and Peace. Two weeks ago we looked at Hope. Last week we delved into Faith. Today we'll consider what the Bible has to say about Joy. 


Joy


According to Bible Gateway, the word "joy" in the NIV version of the Bible appears in various forms 244 times. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts the church in Philippi to "rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). Note the word "always". Always rejoice. Always? Even in the midst of great sorrow? Yes!


I'll confess that as a young Christian I struggled with this notion. How do we find joy in the midst of a devastating loss? I couldn't imagine it. Couldn't wrap my head around it. Yet, Paul writes these words from prison. He writes them in the midst of great tribulation: imprisoned for the crime of sharing the gospel. Shouldn't he be filled with great sorrow? Well, if we look at Paul's circumstances through the lens of the Bible, we'll understand that the joy Paul expressed comes from his relationship with Jesus Christ. It's supernatural. And it comes from the infilling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives the joy of the Lord to Paul, and he writes of it to not only encourage the Philippian church, but to encourage us as well. 


You see, happiness is fleeting. It depends on circumstances. I feel happy today because (fill in the blank). But tomorrow circumstances may change for the worst. What then? We're not so very happy. However, the joy spoken of in the Bible is constant. Eternal. It doesn't change with circumstances. Whether we're having a good day or a bad day, we are still able to find joy -- to rejoice in -- the love of our Lord. Because His love can never be taken from those of us who belong to Him. He said it Himself: "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:28). 


This knowledge should cause us to rejoice. To have great joy even when things look hopeless. The Bible gives us this truth, and I have experienced it in my own life. Believe me when I tell you that I have had great losses and disappointments in my life. Death of loved ones, including my spouse; financial ruin; a failed second marriage, rejection by my earthly father. I don't tell you this for sympathy. I tell you this so that you will hopefully see the amazing love and grace of God. I sit here writing to you today with the knowledge that I am secure in the love of my Heavenly Father. He will never, ever reject me. He will never abandon me. He will never mistreat me. Comprehending that truth and allowing it to penetrate my heart and my life has given me joy inexpressible! Peter said it so well: "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory," (1 Peter 1:8). Yes, Lord! Yes! This is the joy we have in You!


Today's music video Joy of the Lord by Rend Collective encourages us to praise the Lord for the joy we have in Him.


I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.



 

12 comments

  1. Enjoyed your post. Thanks for sharing

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    1. My pleasure. Thanks for visiting and leaving the nice comment. xo

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  2. It is good to know even at the hardest times in life we have our Lord to be by our side. Sometimes being human clouds that thought process and we let the sadness and anxiety come into play. I guess I always look back after something bad has happened and I see that God taught me something. Some how we will always get to a better place not always on our schedule but on God's. Patience is the hardest thing. Nice post Nancy. Happy New Week. xoxo Kris

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    1. Thank you, Kris. I like what you wrote about looking back after something bad has happened and seeing that God taught you something through it. He never abandons us, and this is never more evident than when we are going through trials. Even if in the moment we don't realize it, when we look back we can see His faithfulness -- that He was there at every turn. God bless you. xo

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  3. I love how clear this post is on how to have Joy! A simple thing to do as a follower of Christ but SO HARD to do! Your blog looks absolutely beautful! So happy to see you in my email again!

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    1. Thank you, AnnMarie. It's wonderful receive a visit from you. xo

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  4. At one time I had Joy and Happiness confused. I think it is a very common mistake, but once your discover the difference and experience the Joy of the Lord, there is no mistaking it ever again :) You did such a marvelous job here explaining it and I hope that there will be someone out there in blog-land that reads this and seeks out the pure and wonderful Joy of Christ Jesus. God bless them and God bless you dear friend.
    Merry Christmas!

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    1. I agree with every word you wrote, Connie. God bless you and Merry Christmas! xo

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  5. We recently had a message on this at church. We have joy because of our faith, it's not dependent on our situation, like happiness is. Thanks for your words today!

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  6. Dear friend, this was just invaluable to me today. You have been through so much in your lifetime, yet you consistently provide encouragement to others. Your joy enables you to press on, regardless, and to use your life experiences to minister so effectively. I am so thankful for you and every word you write. May the Lord richly bless you during this beautiful Christmas season.

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    1. Cheryl, you are so sweet. Thank you for your faithful visits and for taking the time to leave a comment. They always encourage me! God bless you. xo

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Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.