Happiness comes as a result of happenstance, things that happen to us. A new purse, new shoes, vintage car, a promotion, etc. can bring us happiness. Happiness is as temporal as the things that cause it.
Ever been excited about something? Really looking forward to it? Ever had a thrill? Certain thoughts or circumstances can exhilarate us to where we can’t contain ourselves. Love can cause us to skip a beat when we walk. Knowing we’ll be seeing a loved one, can thrill us beyond words.
More than happiness, and alongside exhilaration, is joy. When we have Jesus in our hearts we gain joy within our lives. Joy is not happiness. Whereas happiness fades, joy remains because it’s God-produced.
From the time of creation till the time of Jesus’ death, the righteous dead, had been waiting for the Redeemer to remove them from Abraham’s Bosom, to Paradise, to be with God’s promised savior, the Anointed One!
Since before the creation of the world, Jesus knew He’d be dying for you and me. The thrilling joy of seeing you led Him to the cross! God knows the end from before the beginning of time! He knew the requirements. He knew He’d leave behind His powers, His deity, His riches and majesty, and all the glory He shared with the Godhead (John 17:5). And though He suffered insults and beatings, “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
Our Savior underwent disfigurement, torment, open shame, crucifixion and death for us. His joy extended beyond the cross; to what came next: The Resurrection!
Overpowering death and sin, and meeting the Father’s requirement for a perfect sacrifice, Jesus knew that He had sealed the deal! All that were His, would remain with Him forevermore and no-one or nothing could ever separate them from Him!
Are you overflowing with joy knowing you’re loved? Is gratitude overflowing from your heart? No? Get it! Yes? Share it!
God Bless!
Sam
Recommended Song: Joy To the World (Unspeakable Joy) [Lyric Video] Chris Tomlin