Jesus has a special gift for you. He made the offer to His disciples as they were about to face one of their greatest challenges and that same gift is available to you today.

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. (John 15:11)

We often use the concepts of joy and happiness synonymously; however, there is a fundamental difference between these two words. Happiness is often based upon our circumstances whereas joy is based on our internal attitude. Joy is not the absence of problems but it’s an assurance that God is with us. The words joy or rejoice occur over 300 times in our English Bibles. Is your life characterized by joy? Unfortunately, many people are living under their circumstances rather than experiencing the fullness of God’s joy.

You may wonder, how can I experience God’s joy? It starts with believing in God’s unconditional love for you. An intimate relationship with God results in a joy filled life,

You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:11)

Joy also enables you to face the challenges of life. Trouble may be temporary, but joy is eternal,

Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Where do we find joy? You are able to experience His joy as you come to Him in prayer,

Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.  (John 16:24)

Jesus’ desire for you is that you may be filled with His joy,

But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves.  (John 17:13)

Could it be that many of the pleasures that people pursue in life are actually a feeble substitute in their quest to find joy? You may be facing difficult circumstances, but don’t allow your circumstances to dictate your emotions. Viktor Frankl, a prisoner of war in World War Two, wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”

Jesus gives you His joy so you can rise above your circumstances. Stephen Olford liked to enthusiastically exclaim, “Joy is the flag that flies at the mast when King Jesus is in residence.” May others see His joy in your life and know that He is your King.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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