Having the joy of Christ
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
September 17th Sermon, Day 3
Joy is often confused with happiness, but they're not the same thing. Happiness depends on favorable circumstances, while joy runs deeper—it's a confident trust in God regardless of our situation.
Jesus demonstrated this kind of joy even as He faced the cross. Hebrews tells us that "for the joy set before him he endured the cross." This wasn't a surface-level happiness but a profound confidence in God's purposes and promises.
When the Holy Spirit produces joy in us, it doesn't mean we'll always feel happy or that we won't experience sadness. Rather, it means that underneath our changing emotions is a steady current of confidence in God's goodness and faithfulness.
This joy becomes most evident not when life is easy, but when we face challenges. When we can still praise God in the midst of difficulty, when we can maintain hope during disappointment, when we can find reasons to be thankful even in pain—that's when Christ's joy is being manifested in us.
As we fix our eyes on Jesus and remember His faithfulness, the Spirit cultivates this deep, abiding joy that transcends our circumstances and points others to the source of our strength.
Bible Verse
"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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2
Reflection Question
What current situation in your life feels joy-depleting, and how might focusing on Jesus rather than your circumstances restore your joy?
Quote
The joy of Christ that the Spirit plants in us is this deep gladness that comes from knowing him and trusting in his purposes.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for modeling joy even in the face of suffering. When my circumstances threaten to steal my joy, help me to find it again in You. Plant Your deep gladness in my heart that comes not from perfect conditions but from knowing and trusting You. May my joy in difficult times be a witness to others of Your goodness. Amen.
