Joy Isn't Circumstantial
Written by Court Christianson
"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
The Advent season is a time we focus on the beginning of the life of Jesus. However, in the last few years, God has been growing me in the distinction between "Happiness" and "Joy." This has caused me to focus more on what Jesus has done for us on the cross, and the expectation we have for His return as King.
Happiness is a fleeting emotion that can roar like that warm fire in the fireplace we’re so looking forward to feeling on our skin on a cold winter night. But just as quickly as happiness comes, it can be tossed like a wave in the ocean because happiness is an emotion that is not grounded in anything solid.
Now joy, unlike happiness, is something that can be rooted and anchored, in spite of our external circumstances. For the believer in Jesus, we can make a choice to choose joy, even in the face of uncertainty, fear, or trials.
As I continue to walk a path with Jesus through my own battles, and continue to learn what true dependence on Him looks like, I want to encourage you; whether there are health concerns, addictions, or uncertainties of some kind, there is joy to be found even in the trials of this world. If the source of your joy is Jesus, there isn’t a single trouble this earth can bring to steal that joy.
PRAYER: Lord, help us to seek the inexpressible joy that can only be found in You through Your Son, Jesus.
