Former Blackout Artist

“The ultimate ground of our rejoicing can never be our circumstances, even though we as Christians recognize that our circumstances are providentially arranged. If our joy derives primarily from our circumstances, then when our circumstances change, we will be miserable. Our delight must be in the Lord himself. That is what enables us to live with joy above our circumstances.” – D.A. Carson

So yesterday we talked about the fruit of Love, and today we move ahead to the second fruit of the Spirit, the fruit of Joy. And I would like to begin today’s thought with a question: If joy was the only currency you have, what would the balance of your bank account look like?

God provides every believer with an abundance of this valuable Kingdom currency the moment Christ is accepted as their Lord and Savior. Although the debits in life we are sure to incur are many (loss of loved ones, failing health and sickness, financial hardships, strained relationships, loneliness, etc.) we should always have a nest egg of joy.

The late teacher and theologian R.C. Sproul reminds us why. “Even if the Christian cannot rejoice in his circumstances, if he finds himself passing through pain, sorrow, or grief, he still can rejoice in Christ. We rejoice in the Lord, and since He never leaves us or forsakes us, we can rejoice always.”

I wonder if this brings to mind someone in your life? Someone who was able to maintain a sense of joy because of the Lord’s presence in their life despite the challenging circumstances they were going through? Isn’t it wonderful that God puts these people in our lives to remind us of what it looks like to have such a heartfelt appreciation of His presence? What might we learn from spending more time with them?

But I think it’s important for us to know the ultimate reason to have joy.

Jesus reminds us in Luke chapter 10 that while being successful at what we do can bring about a certain degree of satisfaction and joy, ultimate joy cannot be found in the work that we do, but rather in the work that Jesus has done for us himself.

As Jesus was about to send out the 72 disciples to go into the towns ahead of him, he gave them a warning. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” (Luke 10:2-3)

Luke tells us later in verse 17: The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

And that is why we can be joyous, no matter if we’re enjoying the sunshine of life or seeking shelter in the storms of life, isn’t it. Our names are written in heaven, and there can be no greater reason to have joy.