Restoring Your Joy

The word "joy" appears 165 times in the King James Bible. That number explodes to over 400 when you include the words "joyful" or "rejoice". From this, we can clearly see that joy is important to both the Creator and His creation. Jesus teaches that true joy is an enduring peace and connection with God, regardless of our circumstances.

In the Book of John (15:11) Jesus tells us, These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. Did you notice Jesus said He wanted you and I to have full joy? Not partial or some of the time, but all of the time. Do you feel like the world has robbed you of your joy? If so, how? Has it been through trials and challenges? Perhaps it was the loss of something or someone (a job, relationship, death). Or, for some, it is simply the weight of the world. Paul writes to the church in Philippi to Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Again, we read the word "alway(s)". Not just when things are going our way.

As Christians, it is important to not mistake our joy that is found in Christ with happiness or even contentment. Although both are important emotions, they can be swayed by seasons of life we are going through. Our true joy is unshakeable because of Who that joy is in. Have you lost your joy? If so, I encourage you to have a long talk with Jesus. He can and will restore your soul...

Pastor Aaron