What gives you joy? Seeing a gorgeous waterfall, laughing with friends until tears come, sharing the best meme, surprising a friend for their birthday, or watching a video of a daughter reuniting with her army father…
As each year passes, something I’ve come to realize is that I value joy more than happiness. Happiness may come and go but joy seems to remain even in the most difficult seasons of life. Recently, I was reminded that we are the joy of Christ.
Hebrews 12:2 says, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the JOY SET BEFORE HIM He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
When Jesus was suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, He knew it would be worth it because He thought of you. He knew that heaven would not be the same without Jose, Sandra, Clarissa, and [insert your name]. He thought of me and He thought of you. With you in mind, Christ walked towards calvary. You are His beloved, You are His joy.
“He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission.” Desire of Ages, 690.3
My Jesus, My Savior, thank you for enduring the cross for me. I am forever grateful and forever loved by You. And I have the joy of knowing You and inviting others to experience this joy of salvation.
“Then I heard a voice
As it opened up the heavens
Reminding me
Of whom I’ve always been
I am Your beloved
You have bought me with Your blood
And on Your hand You’ve written out my name
I am Your beloved
One the Father loves
Mercy has defeated all my shame”
“I am Your Beloved”, Jonathan David Hesler & Melissa Helser
Iridescent 