A Joy That Stays
“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22
Where does your joy come from?
While it might seem like a good idea to find joy in the good things that are happening in our lives, Jesus promises us a joy that surpasses any and all circumstances we find ourselves in.
Just Disciple says it well: “The biblical definition of joy says that joy is a feeling of good pleasure and happiness that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are or what is happening around us. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit, abiding in God’s presence and from hope in His word.”
Jesus promises His disciples in John 16 that even though He is about to be crucified, He will rise and come again. This is great news for us: Jesus does not promise us a life without suffering (see verse above and John 16:33), but instead He promises Himself.
No matter what trouble or sorrow we face, we have a joy that is secure in who Jesus is: our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). We don’t have to try so desperately to cling to the joy that comes from our circumstances because it will disappear quickly anyways.
As hard moments come up in your day today, take a minute to breathe deep and remind yourself that you have Jesus. He is the anchor for your soul in the midst of the storm, and He will comfort you and carry you through.