Great Joy
by Jack Moraine
Luke 2:10 - 11 (NIV) 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Where there is no peace, there is no joy. We try everything in this world to make ourselves happy. We try to become more attractive. 17.5 million people had plastic surgery in 2017. This past year millions of weight loss books were sold. We color our hair. We go to spas. We believe we'll be happier if we move to another city or change jobs. We believe we'll be happier if we find a more comfortable home, or if we meet our financial goals. We believe we'll be happier if we get married, change our spouse, or have kids.
As a pastor for over 33 years, I can tell you I've spoken with lots of people who have achieved their goals. They did all the things they were supposed to do to make themselves happy. They are financially successful. They have nice homes. They have advanced degrees. Many are married.
But I can tell you from experience that I have talked with many of these same folks who are desperately unhappy. Recent studies indicate that 30% of Americans -- more than 75 million of us -- will develop clinical depression or a sustained period of unhappiness at some time in our lives. Many of these clinically depressed folks are very successful.
You may be depressed this Christmas. Many people are. For many, the holidays are the worst time of year because it brings to mind what the bible calls “shalom” (the Hebrew word for “peace,”) -- the way the world ought to be, but isn't.
Joy in the Bible is related to peace. Where there is no peace with God, there is no joy.
Did you know that one of the most common experiences of people who find peace with God by turning to Christ is the experience of joy? Not only have I met hundreds of folks who tell me they are unhappy. Over the last 33 years I've met hundreds of people who have told me that the first time in their lives they ever felt truly happy was when Christ entered their life.
People lose peace and joy because they drift from Christ-centered lives. Maybe you are among them. Maybe you started in the direction of following Jesus, but lately you decided to take over running your own life and you don't have peace and you don't have joy.
This Advent season may the good news that brings joy to all people bring great joy to you and may Jesus our King be the center of who you are and all you do.
As a pastor for over 33 years, I can tell you I've spoken with lots of people who have achieved their goals. They did all the things they were supposed to do to make themselves happy. They are financially successful. They have nice homes. They have advanced degrees. Many are married.
But I can tell you from experience that I have talked with many of these same folks who are desperately unhappy. Recent studies indicate that 30% of Americans -- more than 75 million of us -- will develop clinical depression or a sustained period of unhappiness at some time in our lives. Many of these clinically depressed folks are very successful.
You may be depressed this Christmas. Many people are. For many, the holidays are the worst time of year because it brings to mind what the bible calls “shalom” (the Hebrew word for “peace,”) -- the way the world ought to be, but isn't.
Joy in the Bible is related to peace. Where there is no peace with God, there is no joy.
Did you know that one of the most common experiences of people who find peace with God by turning to Christ is the experience of joy? Not only have I met hundreds of folks who tell me they are unhappy. Over the last 33 years I've met hundreds of people who have told me that the first time in their lives they ever felt truly happy was when Christ entered their life.
People lose peace and joy because they drift from Christ-centered lives. Maybe you are among them. Maybe you started in the direction of following Jesus, but lately you decided to take over running your own life and you don't have peace and you don't have joy.
This Advent season may the good news that brings joy to all people bring great joy to you and may Jesus our King be the center of who you are and all you do.
Questions:
What is one thing I can do this week to more intentionally center my life in Christ?
Action:
Pray: "Father, where in my life today, am I not experiencing peace and joy? What do you want to show me or tell me about this?"
Listen: What do you feel like God is telling you?
Listen: What do you feel like God is telling you?