Be Joyful ~ An Advent Be-Attitude

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV)

The sound of the coffee grinder momentarily woke me this morning, and then I snuggled down into my soft, cozy bed for a few more minutes of much-needed rest. A short time later, my husband brought me a steaming cup of joy disguised as coffee in my favorite Christmas mug. The rich aroma came first, and that first sip was heavenly. 

When I lay my weary head down at night, I admit I look forward to the next morning’s coffee. And when I inhale that scent, it makes me happy. A good scone adds to the pleasure. I love a radiant sunrise, a magnificent sunset, and a good walk on the beach in between. The birds singing in the trees outside my bedroom window bless me. 

But what if I can’t have a good cup of coffee or see the sunrise and sunset and hear the birds singing their worship to our Creator? What if I wake up in pain or with a heavy heart? Will I still have joy? 

The Difference Between Happiness and Joy

As I reflect on what joy really is this advent season, I am a bit convicted of what I think brings me joy. Coffee, chocolate, a good scone or a beautiful sky can give me reason to be grateful. These things can give me moments of happiness. The absence of them may give me momentary disappointment, but the presence of it cannot be my source of joy. 

I sit with my coffee in hand, enjoying the sights and scents of Christmas time. I know that these are temporary, but being in the presence of the One we celebrate is now and forever.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 NIV

Restored Joy Through Christ’s Presence

If I want to be filled with joy and abide in it, I must always remember the source of true and complete joy; Jesus Christ—His birth, His finished work on the cross, and the promise of eternal life in Heaven. Jesus came into this world two thousand years ago to make my joy complete.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.  If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11

I want to be so filled with joy (Jesus) that it (He) overflows into the lives of those around me. I want to have the river of life flowing out of me as a refreshment to all those I encounter. So one of my regular prayers is this:

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and renew a right spirit in me. (Psalm 51 KJV) 

This week, pausing to ponder the theme of joy has been a challenge. There have been enjoyable interruptions mingled with migraines and traffic jams. It is Friday morning. I once again woke to my husband bringing me that coveted first cup of coffee. The fog outside my door and inside my head is beginning to clear. Thoughts of Heaven are replacing the temporal circumstances. 

An important part of Advent is looking forward to Jesus’ return when He takes us to be with Him in Heaven. As I thought about Heaven this morning, it dawned on me that there will be no interruptions, no traffic, no anger, no sadness, no busy shoppers, no headaches or pain of any kind. Amen and halleluiah! There will be endless joy, perfect worship of our perfect Savior. We will hear the angels sing, “Holy, holy, holy” and never tire of hearing it. 

True joy at Advent is not found in fleeting comforts, but in abiding in the presence of Jesus Christ—the One who came to make our joy complete.

This Advent, I choose to receive the gift of joy He has promised here on earth and look forward to the eternal joy He has promised to those who believe when we join Him in Heaven. 

Questions for Reflection:

• What things do I most often confuse with joy?
•   How do I respond when those things are absent?
• Where has Christ proven Himself to be my joy in difficult seasons?
• What would it look like for Christ’s joy to overflow from me to others this Advent?
•  Is there anything I need to surrender so that joy can be restored?

Worship with Me:

Joy To The World (Joyful, Joyful) [Live From The Chosen] – Phil Wickham

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thank you for coming to give us joy and make that joy complete through Your forgiveness and salvation and sacrifice for our sin. Help me to remember that my joy is only in you and not in the temporary things of this world. In Your Precious Name, Amen

For Further Reading:

• Joy Bible Verses by Bible Study Tools
• Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…
• Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is your strength.
• 1 Peter 1:8 – Though you have not seen him, you love him… you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.
• Luke 2:10 – I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.