Finding [True] Joy

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These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. - John 15:11

 

The meaning of Christmas is that joy is now available to all people - real, indestructible, all-surpassing, satisfying, joy. The actual joy between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is offered to the world at Jesus’ first Advent. The good news the angel proclaimed the night of Jesus’ birth, was that the child lying in the manger was actually the King of the earth, the Savior of the world, and the sign that God is faithful to keep his promises. This is the long-awaited Christ, and his appearance was cause for “great, mega Joy” (Luke 2:10). Joy is not a secondary issue. Joy is one of the primary markers that you belong to God’s Kingdom. Jesus puts it this way: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” (Matthew 13:44). What is this kind of joy? A joy that compels us to lose everything to have it? This is the joy of salvation when Jesus himself becomes our greatest treasure. This is why he came to the world, that his Joy would fill our hearts and satisfy our souls (John 15:11). Therefore, joy is essential to authentic worship. 

Recently I took my kids to the happiest place on earth, Disney World. The delight my young children felt when seeing their favorite character in real life was such a joy to witness. Children can’t suppress joy. It’s a genuine overflow of everything they’re feeling internally. Similarly, God wants us to feel the real joy that bubbles over into praise from everything we feel internally for him. True joy can be ours when Jesus becomes our true joy. At this point you might be thinking: Okay, but it's 2020, so how am I supposed to have this “joy” when my heart is aching and our lives are strained to the point of exhaustion?

True joy is not dependent on happy circumstances.

True joy is not dependent on happy circumstances. It’s transcendent joy, but it’s not blind to the crushing realities of the world. The apostle Paul, who was not foreign to suffering, described his ministry as “Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing”.  During heartbreaking circumstances, he rejoices with the constant expectation of God’s faithfulness. Christianity is honest with brokenness but persistent for joy. The musician Bono once said, “Joy is an act of defiance.” He hit it right on the head. Because Joy is more than an emotion, it’s also an adopted attitude that resists cynicism or fear, and it defiantly sets its hope on future promises. The Prophet Isaiah looked forward to this future promise when he wrote: 

 

Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. - Isaiah 51:11 (NIV)

 

When Jesus, our King comes again, All sorrow will flee as joy crowns our heads and gladness overtakes our hearts forever. That day is coming, even if everything else gives way. We can take joy in the salvation of our God. (Habakkuk 3:18).

But what do we do with today’s ache and sorrow? Here's a few things that can help us fight for joy as we wait for Jesus’ second coming:

Give thanks daily. 

Paul wrote to the Philippians to rejoice always! It’s a deliberate decision to fight for your own joy. So fight for it. Give praise, every day for every good thing. Social media and our news outlets are designed to make us fearful, cynical, and angry. Resist this pull and fight for your joy. When you’re with friends, resist the temptation to gossip, slander, and complain. Instead, look for whatever is lovely, worthy of praise, and honorable, and talk about that! 

Draw near in Prayer.

Do you want joy? Get close to the source of joy.

Do you want joy? Get close to the source of joy. In C.S. Lewis’, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, there is a beautiful scene where Aslan approaches the frozen statues in the White Witch's castle, takes a breath, and blows warmth from his lungs to breathe life and joy back into the statues. This is what happens to us in prayer, we get close to the true source of joy as he dissolves everything that hardens us and breathes in us new life. Draw near to the Lord every day, and be filled with his joy.

Keep his return on your mind. 

Paul told the Philippians, “Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5). There are two aspects to this truth. The Lord is present now in all our grief, trials, and pain. His nearness to us makes us gentle with others who feel all the sorrows of life. Yet you, Christian, are aware of his second coming and have your heart set on a day when all those sorrows will cease. So be gentle with others, but also remember that his coming is always closer than we think. The Lord is near. He’s coming soon for renewal, for judgment, and eternal joy. Set your mind on that day Church, and let the promise of his return fill your heart with joy this Christmas. 

 
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Casey Schutza

Casey Schutza is a Pastoral Resident at Church at the Cross. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Genna, and has two children, Chandler and Bennett. He received his Bachelors degree from the University of North Texas and is currently pursuing a MA in Church Planting at Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina. Casey has a passion for the intersection of theology, culture, and the local church. He played football at Trinity High School and UNT, and he coached high school football and baseball for six years. In his free time He enjoys being with his family, community, and playing guitar.