This morning I am reading in Hebrews as I continue my study of “joy”. I am brought to the passage titled “Sacrifices Pleasing to God” in my ESV bible. I get that I am to be doing that which is pleasing to God, but I forget that I have a responsibility to the leaders as they do for me.

I have needs that are met by the leaders in the church. Those needs may be physical or spiritual and yet the leaders in the church do not discriminate. These leaders will do for those in their care regardless of the need. Yet, they should not have to be doing without feeling the joy of the LORD.

“¹⁷Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” — Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)

Leaders should not have to be searching for joy in taking action on my behalf. The joy should be in the action itself as they know that what they are doing is in the name of the LORD and for the good of a brother in Christ. Now, I am not saying that there is not joy in the hearts of our leaders in the church. What I am saying is that we should be making their jobs easier by allowing them to meet with God on our behalf with complete joy for doing so in their hearts and not have to wonder whether there is truth in our actions and declarations. How do I accomplish that.

Well, by obeying them and submitting to their authority. Christ has placed them in this position to lead us in our growth and learning with Him. It is my duty to follow them and take their direction so as to give them the ability to have singular thought and action, bringing glory to the name of God and spread the gospel. I have to remember their role and their tasks and take the pressure off of them to work this singular thought and action. When coming to the leaders, there should be joy in their hearts as they know that I would only be coming in a situation where I was truly in need and not in the instance of wanting to shuck responsibility and ask someone else to take care of things for me.

Leaders should lead and I have to remember that it is my responsibility to follow. My following however should be that which gives them joy as opposed to anxiousness at what is behind them. Leaders should be able to look behind them and see along with feel the love of their brothers and sisters in Christ pushing them along as they go. As they look behind them they should be able to see those that are weary and down and then they will joyfully come to them and help by lifting them up and walking with them through the difficulty.

What is the attitude of those leading you? Are you expecting them to do all of the lifting and you reaping the reward? What if you were to do all of the lifting to give them an easier time and when you need them, they come to you with joy in their heart and lift you up?

How is it that I am to be the example of Christ when there is always an attack on me?

What a selfish approach with the above question. I have the understanding that I am to be the example of Christ and yet I find it “hard” to do with a little adversity. Christ had people wanting to kill Him, something that I really will likely not experience. He was betrayed by those closest to Him. To spread His word, He walked all over the countryside. He was spit on. He found Himself being opposed at every turn. He was dealing with being tricked and trapped every day. For me, where there is some adversity in my life, I largely live free of the same.

If Christ can deal with all of the real adversity and still be the example of love and care for all, shouldn’t I be able to study His word and use His example as the basis of my example. Shouldn’t I be able to imitate Him those that spread the gospel as well. Take Paul for example. In his ministry, Paul experienced adversity that I will likely not experience in my life either. He was imprisoned, and killed for his faith. And yet, even still, he was the example of Christ all along the way. He encouraged and loved all of his Christian brothers and sisters, even though his prospects were bleak. All with the joy of the Holy Spirit.

“⁴For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. ⁶And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, ⁷so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 (ESV)

And see the encouragement of those at the Church of Thessalonica. Paul recognized their strength and their acceptance of the gospel from him. And points out their continued imitation of what they learned as they became the examples of Paul and more importantly, Christ. All of their work was made possible with the acceptance and understanding of the joy of the Holy Spirit.

I have to do the same. I may have some adversity in my life (certainly at the moment nothing like Jesus, Paul, or the Thessalonians). Yet I also have the joy of the Holy Spirit to lean on to get me through. I have that joy to keep me delighted throughout my life here in this world and to lead me to my eternal life with Jesus, Paul, the Thessalonians, and all my other brothers and sisters in Christ.

What are you leaning on to get you through the adversity? Are you looking to yourself to get through it all? What if you recognized that you have an example and the joy of the Holy Spirit to guide you?

This morning I am continuing my study of the word “joy” and found myself reading of what appears to be contradictory to what I have studied and been writing for the past few weeks, joy is found in and with God. Yet, this morning I see that Paul counts those Christ followers at the church at Philippi as his joy.

“¹Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.” — Philippians 4:1 (ESV)

So I have to ask, is my joy found in others or in God? YES. I know that seems a bit ambiguous and does not answer the question, but it really does. I see that I find my joy in God, and that joy is manifest in the work that I do for and with those of like mind. I look to God to bring me the joy that only he can. The source or cause of delight as Merriam-Webster indicates. God is where I go for my spiritual healing and comfort and joy.

Once I have that joy provided by God, I must be on the lookout for others with the joy of the LORD as well. I have to find them and commune with them. I have to recognize that they are my brothers and sisters in Christ and that they are the source of my physical mortal joy as we work together in service of the Father. We are unified in our goal and approach to the goal, even though out actions to reach the goal are likely very different and based on the talents provided by God to each of us.

So, YES, my joy is found in God and in my brothers and sisters in Christ. I receive the joy of the LORD from Him and then I am able to recognize that joy in those around me. Once it is recognized, it is my task to bring out the best. I have to celebrate others as those that of like mind with me and know that they are, as Paul puts it, “my joy and crown”.

Where is it that joy comes from for you? Are you looking to have joy come from others? What if you find the joy of the LORD from Him and then seek to locate others with it also and unify with those that are of like mind?

I find it interesting in the world today that we are always at odds with one another. Whether that is politically, culturally, socially, or any other “…ally” out there. There seems to be this idea that what is mine is mine and nothing else matters. We are in a constant state of yelling at others to let them know that we are right. Paul writes to the church at Philippi to encourage them to work together in all that they do.

“¹So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ²complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” — Philippians 2:1-3 (ESV)

See the point that Paul is making. The church at Philippi should be of one mind and approach. That is not to say that they should all be the same. Rather, they should use all that they are to accomplish the same things, and those things are spelled out. The church should love and draw that love from Christ. There is no room for selfish gain and continue to move forward as a body, looking to do the work of Christ and be the example of Christ in doing so.

Notice the impact to Paul when this accomplished. His joy will be complete. He will find joy and peace in knowing that the church is advancing the gospel in the name of Christ and with that one goal in mind and using all that God has given them to do so. It is this unification that provides the joy for Paul. He will know that these are brothers and sisters in Christ through their actions and he will meet them in heaven and celebrate the accomplishments with them.

I have to remember that joy is “a source or cause of delight” according to Merriam-Webster Online. Paul finds delight in knowing of the unified approach of the followers of Christ. I have to find that joy as well when following Christ and spreading the gospel. I have to unify with others and use my talents provided by God to impact others as the example of Christ.

What bring you joy? Are you out there seeking your own agenda completion? What if you were to join with others in the goal of spreading the gospel and using your own unique talents to do so?

“²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” — Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

This morning is was brought back to this passage in Galatians as Paul identifies what it is to walk by the Spirit. The verses above are what the fruit of the Spirit are all about and how I should be approaching the world around me. I have to live these characteristics in order that I should walk by the Spirit.

But there is more to it than just looking at what I should be doing. I have to look at what I am leaving behind in order to do so. I have to leave all of those things that are of the flesh behind, has I am not able to do both, walk by the Spirit and the flesh. Those things that are of the flesh are the likes of idolatry, sorcery, jealousy, envy, drunkenness, and others that are found in verses 19-21 of the same passage.

I know what may be thought of, can’t I just have a little fun. Well there is a choice to be made between “fun” and joy. Fun is for the moment and joy is sustainable. Fun is something that may be experienced right then, although it will not be there later. I can laugh at the misfortune of others, yet there is misfortune on someone and that is ultimately a negative and the “fun” will only be there while I am laughing.

Joy is there for the long haul. I may not laugh at everything, but I will be able to smile and move forward easily and carry that movement to others. I will be able to lift others up and bring joy and fulfillment to others. There will be a lasting smile from the good feeling and not the here today and gone tomorrow sense that comes with the momentary laughter that comes with those things that are of the flesh.

Joy is internal and deep, whereas fun is on the surface and shallow. Only satisfying the surface creates a continue longing for more of the same. The depth of joy leads to being content in where you are. I have to remember to be content and relish in the joy that comes from the fruit of the Spirit. I am filled with the fruit of the Spirit and will have that joy, not only today but, for the long haul.

What are you seeking? Are you looking to find the moments of fun found in the flesh? What if you sought joy that comes from the fruit of the Spirit that is eternal?

Sorrow is not the end of the story. Too often I believe that the end of the event is in the sorrow caused or experienced. We lose a loved one, we experience a hardship, we recognize struggles in someone, we are placed in an event where there seems to be no winning, and yet, there is almost always more to come and more to experience.

“²²So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” — John 16:22 (ESV)

Jesus is speaking to the disciples here and letting them know that He will soon be leaving them, and then He will return. He is explaining that when He leaves, there will be a sense of despair that will feel as though it will not end. Then, when He returns, there will again be joy in their lives.

I believe the story here to be larger than just in the context of Jesus and the disciples. I will experience despair and then joy later as the event unfolds. I have to push through the despair, knowing that there is joy to be had later. When will later be, known only to God, but later will come. I have to know that sorrow is a part of the process and that God only wants what is ultimately best for me and not just what is best for me in the moment.

I, as man, have a desire for all things to be good all the time and dealing with adversity and despair are felt as the end point. The reality is that it is only a point and there is plenty that came before and there will be that which comes after. I have to deal with the present and let the future come with the expectation that God prevails.

“³⁴Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” — Matthew 6:34 (ESV)

Today is where I have to work and tomorrow will come in due time. I have to know that the sorrow and despair of today are only temporary and likely will lead to joy in the end. I think of death of loved ones and know that in the moment, that day, things are sorrowful. And then there is the realization of joy for that which is “fully” experienced. Lori recently lost her grandfather and where we are sorrowful for losing him, he led a full 100 year life and is no longer dealing with the health problems and pain he was experiencing at the time. The day was tough, yet the tomorrow was joyous.

What are you dwelling on today? Are you hung up on the despair, adversity, or sorrow of the day? What if you look at the sorrow as the today and allow tomorrow to present the joy of the LORD?

“⁵I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (ESV)

The above is my favorite verse. It has been so for many years. Although, it has been, I have been led here this morning as I study the word “joy” still.

“¹⁰If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” — John 15:10-11 (ESV)

The above verses are where I was led this morning, and my learning was combined with what I already knew. I have to abide in God to accomplish all that He has for me. When I am engaged with God and His plans for me, I have His backing, support, guidance, and provision in the working of His plans. I will have no trouble accomplishing the tasks He has for me. I have to remember also that the result of His plan may not be what I expected. I may see success in the task as one thing, and God knows it to be something else entirely. I have to abide in Him to know that the result is that of God’s design and not for me and my expectations.

And this is where the new learning comes in. When I abide in God, I am led down the path He has for me and not the one I want for myself. God leads me to receive that which I need and not that which I want and desire. I have to be fully open to the receipt of my needs and not get so focused on that which I want. It is in the accepting of all that God is and provides for my needs that I am able to be content and ultimately find joy, and ultimately finding that my joy will be full.

The love of God is amazing. Knowing that He is fully engaged in and with me in spite of me. He unconditionally devotes Himself to me at my every turn. I have to do the same. I have to remember that it is His will to be done and not mine. I am a brother of Christ and just as Jesus surrendered to God’s will on the cross, I have to surrender to His will in this world and in all situations that are, frankly, much less than death. It is in my surrender to God and my love for Him, unconditionally, that I will find the joy that He has for me in this world and can carry forward to heaven where I will find my final reward.

I have to abide in God and submit to Him and all that He has for me. When I do, I will find, not just joy, but full joy that will carry me through this world and into my eternal life with Him.

What does your relationship with God look like and reveal? Are you really allowing Him to take over your life and drive your work? What if you where to abide in God and follow Him fully and unconditionally as He does with you so that you are able to find the full joy He has for you?

“⁹And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.” — Luke 2:9 (ESV)

The shepherds were in the field tending to their flock and were startled and afraid of the angels appearance to them. I don’t blame them one bit. All of a sudden there is light in the sky and all around you and voices are being heard, and not just to me, but everyone can see and hear the same thing. I would be afraid as well.

Thing is, this fear for the shepherds was getting in the way of their hearing of the joy that had come in the form of Jesus. Their fear was preventing them from hearing and subsequently their experiencing that joy for themselves.

“¹⁰And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” — Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)

The angel of the Lord was bringing joy to them and knew of the fear that had consumed the shepherds. Therefor, let them know that there was no reason to be afraid as the angel was there to bring them the joyous news of the birth of Christ.

The fear that was welling up in the shepherds was clouding their ability to hear and comprehend the joy of the moment. I know for me, I have had similar experiences with missing out due to fear. I have missed great things for a time until I am able to get over the fear to experience the event.

Fear can be healthy in that it is there to guard against falling into something that may harm me. I have to have a certain amount of fear, although really it should be more caution than fear. I have to be cautious in my approach to things to understand them. When I am able to understand I am able to move forward. I have to remember that being afraid may keep me from something and that something could be the joy of the LORD.

I have to remember that God will protect me. He guards me. He wraps His arms around me and ensures that I am not harmed. He is for me and He wants joy for me. I have only to accept Him and His protection and proceed knowing that He is there. I have to push through any fear as I know that it is irrational in the name of the Lord as I have eternal life through Him. Push through the fear to experience the joy He has for me.

What are you missing out on as a result of fear? Are not doing something due to being afraid of what might be? What if you were to reduce the fear to caution and push through to experience the joy of the LORD?

“⁴⁴For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” — Luke 1:44 (ESV)

Mary went to visit Elizabeth and upon her arrival, John was overjoyed at the presence of the LORD. This sounds like no real big deal, except that John had not been born and would not for the next three or so months. He was still in the womb of Elizabeth. It was being in the presence of the yet to be born King that the joy was found.

John knew that the King was there and was exclaiming that even when no one would see him. His mother knew, and those in her physical presence knew. John did not leap for everyone to see, he leaped with joy.

Anticipation can be as powerful as the event itself. This was the anticipation of the coming of Jesus and John was joyous. I have gone into situations myself knowing that something was to happen and the anticipation was overwhelming. My wedding to Lori over 26 years ago, I was awe struck at the thought of becoming her husband. The birth of Bryson and Aarron, I was anxious at the thought of becoming their father. And the greatest of all, the reward of heaven once my work for God is done, I am over joyed at what that will bring. Just knowing of the coming of these things brings joy.

John anticipated the coming of Jesus and was overjoyed. He leaped at just being in the presence of the unborn savior, even as he was unborn himself. Another demonstration of the life of all and the connection to the Lord is there, even before we face this world. I was a child of God before my physical birth, even as I was in the womb of my mother. I have to remember that and bring the joy to the LORD now just as I would have then.

When did you first experience joy? Even now, are you experiencing the joy of the LORD? What if you were to step back and realize that the joy of the LORD began even before you were even physically born into this world?

I will continually face adversity in my life. I will not have the easy time of it, at least most of the time. As a Christ follower, I will have persecutors and detractors and those that will simply turn away due to the truth that will flow in the name of the LORD. But, that it is that adversity and in those times of being persecuted that I should rise up and know that I will have the joy of the LORD, even though the world may be against me.

“¹⁷Though the fig tree should not blossom,

nor fruit be on the vines,

the produce of the olive fail

and the fields yield no food,

the flock be cut off from the fold

and there be no herd in the stalls,

¹⁸yet I will rejoice in the LORD;

I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”

— Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV)

Habakkuk experienced even worse than I can even imagine. Without stores to survive, he still turned to the joy of the LORD. I may only experience adversity in the actions I am taking for the LORD, I will still likely have all that I need. I will likely not experience the lack of food or provisions as the LORD will care for me in that when I place my trust in Him. Yet, adversity I will experience and have the chance to simply rejoice in the joy of the LORD, just as Habakkuk.

I see that I am living in a world where there is a lack of reliance in the LORD. I see that the world is struggling as to where to turn in times of adversity. I see that when the difficulty in life arises, they natural tendency of society is to blame someone and look to those in authority to “fix” it for them so that the adversity and difficulty will just go away and there is again the ability to skate through with everything being just as wanted.

The thing is that the world will not be the way I want it. The world is being corrupted by the evil one. The evil one is creating the difficulty and the adversity and I cannot continue to cry foul and is not taking the chance to seek the joy of the LORD and do something about it. I have to seek the joy of the LORD and know that I can and will overcome with His help. I know that the joy of the LORD is greater than anything and as Habakkuk says in verse 19 below, “God, the Lord, is my strength”.

“¹⁹GOD, the Lord, is my strength;

he makes my feet like the deer’s;

he makes me tread on my high places.

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.”

— Habakkuk 3:19 (ESV)

Where are you looking for joy? Are you experiencing adversity and difficulty and seeking someone to take care of it for you? What if you approached everything with the knowing that “God, the Lord, is my strength” and you can overcome that adversity as a result of the joy of the LORD?