Joy

Jesus approached the cross with joy! Think of that! With joy, he took our sins and paid the penalty so we could have eternal life. True joy is ours in Jesus!

In this fallen world, we are either directly or indirectly impacted by the sin of others. But in this under-the-sun life, Jesus brings the joy of an above-the-sun perspective. He is at work! That is the basis for real joy! 

In a world seeking identity, satisfaction, and security, only Jesus delivers true joy. The joy Jesus gives is not the momentary heartfelt happiness of opening a thoughtful Christmas present or, much better, watching our children and grandchildren open their gifts.

Hedonism, mentioned earlier in our study through Ecclesiastes, is a philosophy of life motivated by the desire for pleasure. Hedonism believes that satisfying one’s desires is the highest good and aim of humanity. Hedonism is a life that sprints toward self-gratification. As the old beer commercial said, “You only go around once in life, so grab for all the gusto you can get.”

People can place their hope in a lot of things. But when hopes are attached to the wrong things, our expectations perish. Not so with God-given hope of joy. Based on the finished work of Christ, it will carry us into eternity. When the hope of Jesus is in us, our joy is complete! (John 15:11 NIV)

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

He is the omnipotent Creator who comes to meet us right where we are.

It gives God no greater joy than to see that his children are walking in the truth.

The Lord your God is in your midst.