Fruit for the Holidays - Joy

I have to admit…joy isn’t my strong suit. It just doesn’t come naturally to me. My head tells me that joy is unconditional and unrelated to our circumstances. However, my heart fights the concept.

It feels wrong to be joyful when so many people are going through overwhelming hardships. And don’t get me started about stress. As we approach the holidays, stress and the holidays go together like peanut butter and chocolate (amazingly!). Can I really be expected to be joyful while trying to prepare 10 things in the kitchen to a precise heat at the exact same time while being engaging, friendly, and at the top of my game? It seems so trivial but I am just being real here.

There is something about the holidays that push us to our limits physically, emotionally, and relationally. So, how do we find the joy that is steady, stable and consistent – not just during the holidays but all-year-round?

Just like with love, joy is something that we receive from the Holy Spirit. Joy is part of God’s nature and since we are created in the image of God, we have access to it too. It’s a joy that lives inside of us as we abide in Christ. (Now we are getting somewhere…)

When we abide in Christ, we are able to put our trust in God with our circumstances. We can find joy knowing that God is always at work in our lives and in ALL situations. We can be joyful because we are children of God and heirs to His Kingdom. We can be joyful because we know the end of the story, we are secure in our salvation and the eternal life that His Kingdom brings (1 Peter 1:8-9). And yes, we can even be joyful in the midst of our suffering, because it builds our faith as it brings us closer to Christ (James 1:2-4). We know it is the joy of the Lord that gives us our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

So, as we go about our daily activities this holiday season, let’s remember the eternal perspective. As we abide in Christ, we will take on a joy that only the Holy Spirit can give us.

What are some things that are getting in the way of your joy? (be specific)

Do you find it difficult to trust God in the challenging times?

How can an eternal perspective change your current outlook regarding joy?

Scripture:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1: 2-4

“…And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength”. Nehemiah 8:10

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9