By Robin Wiley

Scripture

Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)

Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Sam Storm wrote, “Someone once said that joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God.”[1] Joy is a vital and often misunderstood thing. It is frequently synonymous with happiness, but really joy is actually far greater. Happiness is fragile, and as quickly as it appears; it also vanishes. Joy, however, is a beautiful reminder from the Lord that our hope and peace are not built upon our circumstances or merely trusting in our own happiness.

In our GriefShare ministry – joy is a key part of the healing process from grief or the loss of a loved one. The journey is from mourning to joy – all through the hope and peace of Jesus. Grieving is a lifetime journey and it will be spent experiencing a diversity of emotions and stages but having hope is the driving factor that moves us forward. When my mother was lying in the nursing home with a feeding tube keeping her alive – it was so difficult to see her in that state. I would like to say my hope never wavered but that would not be true. I did not understand why she had to suffer but God showed me He had a better plan for her with her eventual passing. As Christians, like Jesus, we are meant to experience suffering in this world – but there is joy in the hope that one day we will be free of it. Christ guarantees it for us.

There is no disputing that each of us will have moments of sadness, anxiety, fear, doubt, depression, anger, etc., but it is joy that reminds us of the One who holds all things together.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us of this often, and this is clearly seen in Hebrews 12:1-3. We are prompted to do a few things here.

· We must lay aside the things, which rob of us our affections for Jesus.

· We must keep our focus upward on Him.

· In all circumstance we must remember who God is in relation to who we are.

While things like suffering and sorrow are assured parts of our lives, joy is also assured to the believer. Joy is realization that even through the worst circumstances, Jesus is enough. Rest in this truth and pray Psalm 73:25-26 over yourself daily. Jesus is King, and that truly is joyful.

Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV)

25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Father God, I do not always understand our circumstances or our situations. I confess that I might fear, worry, and grieve at times, but I trust that in spite of all these things, You are still on Your throne. You surround me in the darkness with your grace and mercy. Teach my heart to see You working all things out for my good and for Your glory, and teach me to be joyful in all things because of you who You are. In the name of Jesus - Amen.

[1] Sam Storms, Pleasures Evermore: The Life-Changing Power of Enjoying God (Colorado Springs: Navpress, 2000), 52.