Finding Our True Joy in Christ
Advent #3 | December 9, 2024
Jessica Burdick
Jessup School of Theology and Leadership Student
Philippians 4:4-7 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Sometimes it can be difficult to want to rejoice. Everyone may be experiencing different emotions during this Christmas season, but Paul encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always. Although some people may be excited to spend time with family, others may be struggling financially, stressing over relationships, or feeling sad about losing a loved one. Can we still find joy during these times?
Last year during the holidays, I was stuck in a season of anxiety and depression. I didn’t feel like myself, and it was hard to want to rejoice. These verses encouraged and helped me see that no matter what I was going through, the Lord is near. He comforted me, gave me hope, and helped me find strength in Him. Even in the midst of my struggles, I was able to find joy in the Lord. He filled me with His peace, and I couldn’t have made it through that season without His help.
Although our lives may not always be easy, we can still choose to rejoice. Even Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while in prison, and he continued to find joy in the Lord. No matter the circumstances, Paul understood that our true joy can only be found in Christ. We may not always feel happy, but we can still choose to find joy in every season.
This is because joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is purely based on our circumstances, and it can easily fluctuate based on everything going on around us. In contrast, joy comes from within and is based on what is going on inside of us. Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit, and when we choose to walk in the Spirit, God can fill us with a deep inner joy that can help us to rejoice in every situation.
During this Advent season, we can find joy in the birth of our Savior. We can find joy in the good news of the gospel and in the work that Christ did for us on the cross. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live, died the death we deserve, and rose again three days later to conquer sin, death, and the grave. Now, we can rejoice in this truth and find hope in the grace, peace, and love that Christ provides.
