Joy Pt. 1
John 16
In a time of cynicism and polarization, having an attitude of joy is becoming more and more countercultural. Afterall, look at all the brokenness and hardships in our world. For many, it’s much more natural to become hopeless and cynical than it is to become a person of joy. We don’t become a person of joy because of circumstances or personality, but by drawing close to Jesus through the Spirit in every circumstance. Joy is a fruit of the spirit because it comes from a disciplined and consistent abiding in the person of Jesus. Jesus does not lead us to a life of cynicism, but to a life of steadfast joy.
In John 16 we pick up on a conversation between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus had just finished teaching his disciples to remain connected to his power and love. He also warned them that it will be hard for them to continually abide in Him, but that the Holy Spirit will come and empower them to do what He has called them to do.
Jesus recognizes that the disciples will face intense hardships because of their allegiance to Him and His kingdom. But then He says this, “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” When Jesus ultimately restores the world to himself and makes all of creation new, his disciples will have joy. This is because God’s presence will fill this new creation, and God’s presence is the essence of joy (Psalm 16:11). All of the broken things we encounter in this world will be redeemed and all of our grief will turn to joy. This is not a cheap and fleeting happiness, but a deep, soul fulfilling security in the presence of Jesus.
The beautiful thing about following Jesus is that “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) This means that we have access to the coming kingdom of God right now if we have repented and believed in Jesus. The coming joy that Jesus promises is available to us right now when we draw close to Him in the midst of our suffering. Jesus tells his disciples that “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” If you are seeking joy in the midst of hardship, continue to pursue the power and presence of Jesus. Pray, and ask the Father for joy. He desires to give it to you, and He has the power to turn your grief into joy here and now.
Jesus did not shield His disciples from the reality that brokenness and evil exist in this world. He was upfront about the difficulties they will face. We, too, live in this broken world, and the process of becoming a joyful person will be difficult and a lifetime long. Yet, we can rest in the hope that there is a day when all grief will be turned to complete, deep joy when all things are restored.
Odds are, there is a circumstance in your life right now that is hindering the joy you experience. Before you move onto the next part of your day, spend some time journaling about the following prompts. Invite the Spirit to produce the fruit of joy in you as you process.
Name the hardship that you are experiencing.
Name the emotions that you experience because of it. Be blunt, God knows your heart. As you name each one, allow yourself to feel it, and then give it permission to pass through you.
Reflect on Jesus’ promise that He will turn all grief into joy. What does the Spirit want you to know about this promise? How does this promise inform how you respond to the hardship you are facing?
Ask the Father to increase your joy as you abide in Christ.
Take a moment to thank God for the joy he provides. Whether you feel it or not, the Spirit is using this situation to form you into a person you abides deeply in Christ and finds rich joy in Him. Thank God for the work He is doing in your life.
