Overflowing Joy

Are you overflowing with joy? When people you don’t know (or even if you do know them) see you, do they see the Joy of Jesus or the sadness of your circumstances?

I love this picture of joy and celebration because it is a great representation of how we should look to others as we live into our Christian faith. Paul was in chains when he wrote most of the New Testament, but his letters are full of the Joy of Jesus in his heart.

The ESV version of this verse is a bit more tame: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (Philippians 4:4) But the point is the same – rejoicing is to be our go-to as Christians, no matter what we are going through. 

My Dad went Home to Jesus on December 20 – that’s right – five days before Christmas. I was very full of sorrow. My Dad and I were very close and I knew I was going to miss him very much. But … there was also great joy because I know where he is and that I will see him again. While I still miss him, the earthly sorrow has greatly diminished, but the Joy of Jesus and knowing where Dad is have not diminished one single bit. In fact, in the nearly 16 years since his homegoing, I believe my Joy has increased.

I’m not saying life is easy. Jesus never promised us that. But what I am saying is that we still carry that Joy in our hearts no matter what is going on in our earthly lives. Whether it is a baptism or a funeral, that Joy is there, letting us know that we always have Jesus to depend on.

Hebrews 12:2 tells us: looking to Jesus … who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross. (ESV) Jesus set for us an example of Joy that should be ever-present in our hearts and minds. He knew He was going to suffer and die a horrendous death, but He also knew of the Joy that awaited Him as He took His place at the right hand of the Father.

And so it is with us. Are you sad, confused, despairing, anxious, worried, or any one of a number of adjectives that could be used when we don’t like our situation or circumstances? Just remember Jesus. And remember Paul. And then celebrate and let the Joy of Jesus overflow from your heart to the lives of others so that they may see the true beauty of being a Christian. That even in the midst of heartbreak and disappointment we can still celebrate with joyful hearts the Love and Grace and Mercy – and Joy – that abounds because Jesus is our Savior. 

So, let’s CELEBRATE! Let’s overflow with JOY! Praying we will all celebrate with the overflowing Joy of Jesus as we make our way in the world.

Blessings, 😊 Ceri