IS THERE STILL “GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY”
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10
Part of the Biblical Christmas story we know from Luke 2 is that an angel appeared to the shepherds who are out in the field to give them the message about Christ’s birth. Part of that message was for them to “not be afraid” because the news they have will bring “joy” for everyone.
So, I ask you “how is that working for you in 2020, “the year of Covid”? As I have talked to a lot of different people, I am not sure joy would be expressed very often. If we are all totally honest, I am not sure we are really experiencing the joy of the Lord very often. Many have had a hard time relating to the “joy of the Lord being our strength” which the Bible also talks about.
Whether it is because of our circumstances, fear, isolation, or maybe because it has to do with our personalities, we are seeing some people struggle with depression and anxiety where joy is obviously missing. Therefore, it seems that it would be good to know what is it that the angels said will cause great joy for all the people? I do believe that most people want to experience the joy of the Lord, and I am convinced that God wants us to experience it as well.
We should know that the joy of the Lord is not primarily a feeling of happiness. It’s not the warm fuzzy feeling you get when watching the movies, It’s a Wonderful Life or Elf. In other words, biblical joy and the Good News that will cause great joy is not primarily a feeling. If it was, then it would be impossible to experience joy in those moments of grief or in the depths of trials.
No, the joy of the Lord is much more stable, unbreakable, and dependable. Ultimately, this joy comes from Jesus Himself. We will experience the joy of the Lord specifically because Jesus is our Savior and He now lives in us. This joy in the Lord, works itself out in very practical ways in life. The joy of the Lord is the firm, unshakeable conviction that God loves us, is 100% for us, and is working everything for our good. No matter what this world may do to us!
It is the firm belief that God is my Father, and that he loves me more deeply than I could possibly imagine. It is the rock-solid belief that Christ lives in me, even as I walk through fiery trials and deep waters.
All of this information may be good, but it still may leave us with the critically important question: how do I experience and grow in the joy of the Lord?
If the joy of the Lord comes specifically from Jesus, then it follows that the primary way we grow in the joy of the Lord is by deepening our faith and fellowship with Jesus. In other words, the more closely we are connected to Christ, the more consistently we will experience God’s joy.
Here are a few ways to stay connected with Christ:
1) Love Him. In my book: Before You Say I Don’t, I mentioned that Love is a choice that is evident through our actions. We know from God’s word that love is a verb to show that an action is taking place. A powerful definition of love is from John Piper’s book Desiring God: “Love is the overflow of joy in God that gladly meets the needs of others.” Love is not merely the action of meeting others’ needs; it includes the motive of the action. True love knows God is love and therefore we can love others.
2) Keep your mind on Christ. We don’t experience victory in this world by looking to this world, but by setting our attention on Jesus. Paul said, “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” When we set our mind on this world, on sin, or on our problems, then we should not be surprised when our behavior matches our mindset.
3) Put others first. We are living in a “me first” culture and the Apostle Paul has to address in the church as well with the Philippian church. He makes it clear that his joy will be complete if we, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4). This ideal goes against our flesh or sin nature, but is suppose to be the evidence of our Christian faith. When we do for others and serve others without any expectations in return, then watch our joy be energized. God blesses us to be a blessing to others.
Replace the moaning, groaning, whining, and complaining with rejoicing. Rejoicing about what? Rejoicing because God sent a Savior to save us from ourselves and from our sin. God promises to be with us and to never leave us. God is for you so quit fretting about who is against you. On a daily basis, refill yourself with joy by asking God to be with you, lead you, and fill you with His presence.
With that there is GOOD NEWS THAT WILL CAUSE GREAT JOY FOR ALL PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE IT!
