Scripture Reference: Hebrews 12:2, KJV- “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
As Jesus knew, we must also know that joy is found and fulfilled in how we extend grace to others. This morning following Jesus’ model for prayer, I could sense the handing over of current circumstances and my will to welcome God’s, and my perspectives changed.
Hebrews 12:2 reiterates that we must look to Jesus. Looking to Jesus turns our attention to God the Father who always points us to eternal truth. Jesus saved us by grace, and we can serve our purpose by pointing others to the grace of Jesus. In the Gospels, Jesus taught us that we must deny ourselves and take up our own crosses. We find true joy in finishing the purposes for which we have come.
Our hardships and tragedies pale in comparison to what Jesus had to endure and yet we do have the ability to look beyond what is going on this world and look to the joy set before us in the grace we can bring to others.
In addition to reading God’s word regarding Hebrews 12:2, I turned to YouTube and listened to a couple of pastors speaking on joy. Stephen Furtick has a great sermon entitled “Where’s your joy?” He shared that we find freedom from feelings and find joy in the guaranteed outcome of purpose. Pastor Furtick said joy is a focus before it is a feeling. We cannot simply choose joy and he referenced James 1:2 pointing out that we must count all trials as joy. The best way to find joy is to focus on purpose and resist comparing our calling and results with others. Comparison destroys joy. We are not to pray for joy but pray to focus on God’s will.
The second sermon I recommend you listen to was from Pastor Louie Giglio entitled “The Joy that defies every condition.” He spoke of the culture of joy. If we are to be joyful, we must be captivated by the person of Jesus and he referenced Philippians 3:10 “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (NIV) It is not about knowing about Jesus or even being a Christian but knowing Him personally.
Louie spoke of the power of the parable of Jesus in Luke 15:4-5 where He describes leaving the 99 sheep to find the one that was lost, “And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.” (NLT)
Let us create a culture of joy in our lives. When we live a life of rejoicing in what Jesus did for us, we celebrate every day. Pastor Giglio said that Paul says we must be all-in for the mission. Our mission must override our condition. Paul was so convinced in what God wanted him to do that he knew his joy was rooted in the grace of Jesus.
I am not sure where I read or heard it this week, but I felt for the first time I found what I had not been able to verbalize myself. My purpose and the purpose of Affirmations of God is to share the power of positive meaning found in the Word of God and not about positive thinking. What is the positive meaning to your life that brings you joy?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the mission to share the grace of Jesus Christ. My mission is above any condition I may find myself in. Thank You, Jesus, for coming to earth for us. I am trusting You. Please have my life shout for joy to You. I am living in response to who You are. I am praising You LORD in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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