Advent Week Three: JOY

For many years I misunderstood the source of joy. I found hope in being a Christian and peace by knowing Jesus Christ as my savior, yet I seemed to rely on my performance to experience joy. The sense of great accomplishments, hard work, and overwhelming devotion to whatever J-O-B used to be my J-O-Y! It took a major career upset and five years of a dark valley to get my attention and realize how guilty I was of idolatry and fake joy. The Lord revealed how genuine joy is only rooted in Christ. It has nothing to do with my performance.

Joy comes from God’s goodness and grace. It flows from a Father who loves us despite every fiber of our being. We can experience the joy of Christ through faith and a daily relationship with Him. This joy is not a roller coaster emotion but a gift that never disappoints, a promise that always fulfills, and a reassurance we are God’s children.

Our performance and circumstances do not determine its presence. It is a daily choice to tap into the fruit of the Holy Spirit and allow God to grow in and through us. We must intentionally fight against the enemy and cling to the Lord in all we do. Make no mistake…the enemy prowls 24/7 to kill your joy and turn you away from the amazing light of the Lord.

During this third week of advent, I encourage you to surround yourself with truth about joy through reading God’s Word. Pray out scripture and ask to receive God’s joy with thanksgiving and praise. May you find a renewal of JOY and be filled with His marvelous gift.  

Psalm 16:11 “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

James 1:2-4 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

2 Corinthians 7:4 “I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.”

Psalm 4:7 “You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.”

John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”

Psalm 90:14 “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

Philippians 1:25 “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.”