Joy At Thanksgiving
Joy? Now? Don’t you know the problems I have? The sorrows I bear? My unsolvable difficulties?
Yep.
But, for the Christian,* joy is not only possible, joy is commanded.
Jesus is Joy
These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. (John 15:11)
Stay in His joy by abiding in Him. (See John 15)
Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23)
We are commanded to rejoice.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Joy in our lives is both a work of God and our responsibility.
But how?
Get and keep (fix) your eyes on Jesus.
Jesus told us to:
rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven. (Luke 10:20)
As a believer* remember and meditate on truth, for example:
Christ—right now—is interceding for you. (Hebrews 7:25)
The Holy Spirit is praying for you. (Romans 8:26)
You are a co-heir with Christ. (Romans 8:17)
Your inheritance is guaranteed. (1 Peter 1:4)
Christ is with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)
There is a lot to be joyful about!
Remember that Christ endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).
You can too. I can too.
Rejoice!
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If you haven’t yet received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, please repent and turn to Him in belief and trust. See Becoming a Child of God.
