Have you ever felt like joy is just out of reach? Wondering where the joy is?
This blog post is my takeaway from Jon Porter’s sermon from December 15, 2024. I love his heart, but he’s got a way of digging into scripture that takes me to a new level of understanding.
Often as human being, we think we know what will bring us joy. We may want our circumstances to change because our expectation is that will bring us joy. But our joy depends on who is in the middle of our circumstances.
What we are searching for is the joy that Christ brings. It’s not what happens to us, but who is with us.
WE CAN’T MANUFACTURE JOY!
The joy in the world is not lasting, but true joy is available to each of us.
Simple holiday joys can be over shadowed by unmet expectations or family conflict.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” — Luke 2:8-12
The shepherds were just doing their jobs. All of a sudden, angels appear! Nobody wanted to be around shepherds. They were dirty, smelly, and not trusted enough to speak in a public court. Yet, they were the first to have the birth of the baby Jesus revealed to them!
We are conditioned to worldly joy. The joy of a snowflake or we can see it as a gray, slushy hindrance.
The joy from Jesus is different.
You want to find joy on your own? How’s that working out for you?
The joy Jesus brings is granted in his presence. He says to trust in him, believe, and walk in joy with me.
Has this type of thinking changed the way we face our days?
Every step feels uncertain, but with a flashlight to light the way, fear starts to ease. We can see the next right step. The fog is still there, but his presence gives clarity to our steps.
Try to find joy in giving forgiveness or seeking it from someone that you did wrong toward.
Jesus is not like looking for Waldo – he will reveal himself to you.
ASK!
What overwhelm are you walking through? What often holds us back is what we’ve already been through.
Capture the thought of joy. Jesus bringing joy. It’s a choice we have to make every day. The choice to hold a grudge, be miserable, grouchy or TO REJOICE AND BE GLAD!
In the words of Jelly Roll, “I’m not okay, but everything’s gonna be alright.”
Grieve out losses, but trust and thank God for what he’s done while choosing joy.
The joy of God comes when we least expect it!
Your take away from today’s message.
- Focus on God through prayer and scripture. Nehemiah 8:10.
- Practice gratitude. Name 3 things to be joyful for.
- Share joy with others. Text someone, call them or send a card, better yet, invite them to lunch.
- Live in joy!
There you have it! If you need a place to worship this week, we’re located in Milan, Indiana. Check out our website http://Milanchurch.org
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 