Joy is on the Menu
“In all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”- 2 Corinthians 7:4b
One of the things our family has enjoyed this summer is watching classic, silly, family-friendly movies. Not only have I enjoyed the escapades from each film but seeing my eleven-year-old daughter belly laugh through the movie has been the real show!
One of the things we need to recapture is JOY. Joy can be difficult to hold onto and focus on with the external struggles and internal strife we face. Like the current supply chain shortage, it seems that many are having a tough time finding this much needed source for living. It is easy for us to get buried in our work and financial needs, burdened by what’s happening in our world, brokenhearted for a loved one’s plight, beaten down by a health issue, and bombarded by what life brings almost every day from every direction. In the face of what seeks to rob our joy, it is imperative that we take a stand to fill our hearts with God’s goodness and confidently confess as Paul did in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Let’s receive the fullness of JOY as we remember all that JESUS does! Jesus is present with us; Jesus has forgiven our sins; Jesus has given us new life; Jesus has secured us until the day of His coming; Jesus has made it possible for us to walk in freedom; and Jesus has invited us to experience true joy. In John 15:11 He declares, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Joy comes in multiple ways for the person walking with Jesus:
- There is joy when we turn away from our sinful ways and to God.
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”- 2 Corinthians 7:10
- There is joy when we endure a trial and time of testing.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”- James 1:2
- There is a lasting joy that follows the momentary pain we experience in life.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”- Romans 8:18
- There is a perfect joy found in God’s loving presence.
“You make known to me the paths of life; You fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”- Psalm 16:11
The true joy from heaven is better than any Hollywood Script and is ready to be engaged and enjoyed today!