Read John 16: 16-22
Is Having Joy Really Possible?
Verse 16: Jesus said, “In a little while you will see me no more [death and burial], and then after a little while you will see me.” [Resurrection from the dead]. The disciples did not know what Jesus was talking about. Jesus responded with words they still didn’t understand: “Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn [because of my death] while the world rejoices [over his crucifixion]. You will grieve [over my death] but your grief will turn to Joy” [Jesus’ Resurrection].
Just as it is with a woman going into childbirth, she is in much pain but after the baby is born the pain is forgotten. The baby’s presence brings so much joy. The same with Jesus: his death will be painful but after he raises from the dead they will have a joy “that no one can take away.”
Joys a hard concept. It’s a spiritual gift meaning it is Holy Spirit given. It’s nothing we can conjure up on our own. It’s not the same as happiness.
The disciples grieved because Jesus was going to no longer be with them. This concept is the same with us in that if we are trying to live a life without Jesus we can’t experience real Joy. As a result, people look for false Joy through earthly means. Some look for joy in relationships. In sexual relationships. In following peer pressure. In drugs and alcohol. In hobbies. In their job. Such Joy is temporary. Real Joy, the kind God offers us, is a joy that’s based upon faith and not circumstances. The Holy Spirit gives Joy that “no one can take away!” This means in all trials and tribulations that we can experience Joy because we know God is in control. We can choose Joy because we trust him despite the circumstances.
What are words that you can think of that the enemy uses to steal our joy? Fear of the unknown. Worry of the future. Unmet expectations. Death of loved ones. Be joyful doesn’t mean you’re glad something terrible happened, but you have joy because Joy from God looks beyond your circumstances into the hope of the future. It’s knowing that spiritual growth comes through the hardships that prepare and equip us for what God has for us in the future. Are you lacking God’s given joy? What words or circumstances are holding you back. Trust God is preparing you or testing you and wants to bring spiritual growth in your life. He wants to develop a faith and trust in you that invites Joy into your life.
