Let’s talk about joy for a minute. Where is it? Honestly, as a believer in Christ, the right thing to say is: “In His Presence, there is fullness of joy” (Ps 16:11). It’s the right thing to say because it’s true. But I’m still asking. Where is it?
I was walking a long walk today – it was cold and I was deeply sad. The past few weeks have been lonely, aching ones. I listened to music the reminded me of Jesus and His goodness. These songs urged me to look at His face. They recounted His sacrifice and the singers wept with gratitude. They recalled His promises of new life and eternity. Tears began flowing semi-freely from my eyes (I was walking in public and didn’t want to look like a total loony tune) and I realized something there that I want to carry with me through this season.
Joy isn’t found when our circumstances change. If every dream I ever dreamed came true in the exact way I dreamed it, true joy would not be found; disappointment is sure to follow and tear down the altar this dream built. If every hope I ever hoped played out exactly as I hoped it would, true joy would not be found; tragedy is always right around the corner at all times, ready to spoil everything.
Joy – truest joy – is found when we remember; when we remember who God is; when we remember that Jesus is Immanuel (“God with us”); when we remember the friendship of the Holy Spirit; when we remember that we are chosen by God; when we remember that we are seen and heard by this infinite, immortal Being that designed the smallest and the greatest parts of life; when we remember that He loved us enough to die for us; when we remember that He came back to life to give US new life; when we remember that He came to establish a kingdom, and He chose us to be a part of it; when we remember His promise of eternity; when we remember that no matter what happens, no matter what tragedy strikes, no matter what disappointments await, He is making it all good. Not for us, but in us, in order to magnify His great and remarkable Love and be known throughout the nations.
What joy is found when we remember that this life we have been given was given in order to be redeemed, restored, and lived with a purpose greater than our tiny dreams and hopes can offer.
May this Christmas season offer you joy, not because of where you are or who you are with, but because of what you have remembered.