We all encounter times when we’re not feeling joyful.
Or at least it seems that way.
But is joy really something that we “feel?”
Happiness is something that we feel. It is emotion-based.
But joy is not based on emotions.
It is based on reason.
It is based on evidence.
It is based on the future, while happiness is based on the present.
It is based on promises, not circumstances.
You see, the homeless and jobless person who finds a wallet with $20 cash is happy for the find because food will soon be in his or her stomach.
But joy for the next day and the days after that? That’s a tougher shopping list.
The Christian suffering a terrible physical injury and subsequent loss of work income isn’t swept up in emotional happiness but can be filled with joy in knowing that God will provide enough to keep living and has an unfathomably rich eternity waiting for him or her.
Whatever hassles you’re facing just now might be stealing your feelings of happiness.
But they can never seize your joy.
Joy can only be forfeited.
It is a gift that remains ours as long as our spiritual arms are wrapped around the One who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross.
I’m talking about Jesus.
Here’s the passage that triggered these words this morning. I pray that they help you to live out this day with a greater sense of joy:
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.” (Romans 4:7-8)
Because Jesus willingly suffered for us, we’re offered deliverance from the penalty we’re due because of our sins. No matter how tough life circumstances become, we’re still ahead of the game eternally.
And that’s a joy-producing thought.
As always, I love you
Martin
