Advent: Joy

via TJC

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”  ~ John 15:11

The world’s idea of happiness is directly tied to circumstances.  But Jesus is not satisfied promising us happiness. He promises that we will experience JOY—that settled state of contentment, confidence, and hope that comes only from trusting Him. 

When we choose to define the experience we are going through, no matter what it is, we are able to find that joy in Him.

4 ½ years ago I faced the most devastating loss of my life when my son was found dead. I remember a day or 2 after being reminded of the verse in James, when he instructed us to “consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds. How can someone consider the news I received “pure joy” in the face of such a life tragedy? Where was this joy that Jesus promised?

In the midst of my deepest pain, I found hope, healing, and peace in the promises of my Savior. And yes, I have experienced joy in the love of friends, the comfort of believers who have come alongside me and my family and cared for us in ways we were not able to care for ourselves. And most importantly my faith has grown in knowing that no matter what I experience, my hope, my peace, my joy are found in knowing, loving, and serving my savior, Jesus, Emmanuel - God with us!

Nothing we go through is wasted when we give God our circumstances and allow Him to shape our thoughts and reactions. Allow God and His Word to transform the perspectives you need to change. 

Daily Battle Order:

What challenging task has God placed on your heart? What valley are you going through that requires an extra measure of faith? Is it mending a broken relationship or stepping out in faith to walk in the purpose, God has given you? It’s your time to experience the joy that God has set before you whatever the circumstance. This joy is a precious gift promised by Jesus, that is fulfilled when we see past whatever this life brings to the hope of eternity.