Joy Beyond Happiness
It was hard to realize joy would come easily to me later in life. I have many things now that bring me joy, but at one point in my life that was not the case. I lost my parents, my dad while I was young, and my mom when I was 20 years old. My dad was deaf and my mom was deaf too. After my parents passed away, I went into a period of deep sadness and depression. We also lived in unstable housing situations. This caused my family to endure many difficult days. The world had dealt me cards I didn’t want to play. In spite of all the turmoil, my mother always told us that we only needed God and by doing so, I began to learn about true joy. Then, life found ways to really test whether my joy came from God or was a facade. It’s easy to believe that happiness is all we can ask for; however, Jesus has given us an abundance of joy when we stay in Him. Throughout the many difficult times of my life, Jesus’ steady presence helped me to continue moving forward. Although I felt extreme sorrow at times, I realized that finding a different perspective and holding on to hope would enable me to survive even the most difficult of storms.
Christ’s Steady Presence in the Storm
As Christians, we all experience situations and difficulties that try to take away our joy and happiness. Whether it is trying to make ends meet financially, caring for children who have their own challenges, or working a job that appears to be greater than your current abilities or qualities — they can all drain the joy out of us. However, Christ came to give us a complete life, and not allow us to be overwhelmed by the challenges that we face. Jesus wants us to have abundant lives in Him regardless of the challenges that we face. Jesus once explained to the Pharisees the value of each of the sheep of his flock and how he is the gatekeeper. Although the Pharisees did not understand what Jesus was saying with the parable, I know that the Good Shepherd has asked me to come and rest within Him so that I can have life to the fullest. Although I am facing many challenges in my life, I know that God is still good. I can still experience joy amidst the chaos. I have learned to hang onto this truth, even through the toughest days of my first year as a Salvation Army officer. There have been times of frustration and doubt and I wondered if we were in the right place. However, I was reminded of John 10:10 — that God provides all that I need and that He invites me to have life to the fullest in Him. I don’t know what the future will look like, but I know who will be holding me today, who held me yesterday, and who will hold me tomorrow. Adversities will come. However, Jesus reminds us of the adversity He encountered and how we can rely on His power to get through the adversity. John 10:10 has allowed me to remain joyful in all circumstances.
When Circumstances Try to Steal Our Joy
You don’t have to let adversity be the thief that takes away the joy that has been placed inside you. Joy is eternal. Joy is endless. True joy is a constant. True joy is a constant because it is God the Father who gives joy and He never changes. You may be tired and exhausted. You may feel that you haven’t experienced joy in quite a while. However, my friend, I want to remind you that you can experience joy again. What a wonderful gift is joy! No matter where you are today, no matter what is that you’re struggling with (within you or around you), God invites and welcomes you to abide in Him as He leads you not only as the Good Shepherd but as a loving Father. During this Christmas season, which may appear to be chaotic, may you turn your heart to Jesus, the One who knows you and died for you. May you be willing to stop and breathe and receive the fullness of life that God has provided for you. I’ll be honest with you: keeping joy throughout the tough times? Not easy. But it has made a huge difference for me. Jesus is waiting to walk with you through the present season and all seasons that follow, because He came to provide you with an abundant life. You deserve to have joy regardless of what is happening around you. Accept it and claim it as your own, learning to cling to it no matter what. Like Jesus, joy is a constant. You are so loved.