Joy Inexpressible!

​2022 has arrived.
Despite the lavish, noisy New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations, it is a sad, sorrowful fact that our world is a joyless one.
Of course, the world apart from Christ longs for joy.
Recall “holiday” advertising. Many commercials for Christmas gifts used the joy theme. Wal-Mart: “Joy. Fully.” J.C. Penney: “Joy. Comfort. Peace.” Glade: “Spark Joy.” Applebee’s: “Joy” gift card. Peloton: “Joy in the workout.” (Not so sure about joy in working out!).
The topic of joy pops up everywhere, but it is nowhere, because the world has no idea where real joy comes from.
“Happy New Year” is the hope of most. But happiness and joy are not the same thing. Happiness or unhappiness is circumstantial. Life going well, happy. Life not going well, unhappy.
Joy is relational. I find great joy in my wife and family not because we always get along perfectly but because of our relationship based on love for one another.
 Jesus made it clear where joy comes from. In John 15:11 Jesus taught “These things I have spoken to you that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”  Note “His joy” is made full in us!
Jesus’ joy is real joy!
In John 16:22 Jesus said to the disciples “Therefore now you too have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice; and no one takes your joy away from you.” The Lord knew His closest followers would be sorrowful when He left for heaven. But He assured them He would see them again. They would rejoice and no one, no one could ever take or steal their joy, which is Christ’s joy, from them.
Jesus’ joy cannot be ripped off!
Bottom line: If there is no personal relationship with Jesus, there is no joy.
Without question Christians should be the most joyful people on earth because they have believed in and personally received what God has done for them through the birth, life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.
I Peter 1:3-9 stirs my heart with a spirit of joy and rejoicing every time I read it.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away reserved in heaven for you; who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice even though even now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials; That the proof of your faith being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
AND THOUGH YOU HAVE NOT SEEN HIM, YOU LOVE HIM, AND THOU YOU DO NOT SEE HIM NOW, BUT BELIEVE IN HIM, YOU GREATLY REJOICE WITH JOY INEXPRESSIBLE AND FULL OF GLORY; OBTAINING AS THE OUTCOME OF YOUR FAITH, THE SALVATION OF YOUR SOUL.”
I hope these words stirred your soul like it did mine once again! Glory to God!
You and I have not seen Jesus. But we love Him. The Father has given us a living hope by raising Jesus from the dead! That hope is secure in heaven, imperishable, undefiled and protected by God Himself. Believers in Christ have a reserved seat in glory!
You and I rejoice even in the middle of various trials because our faith, when tested, is being perfected, made complete. Because we believe in Him, we GREATLY REJOICE with JOY INEXPRESSIBLE AND FULL OF GLORY!
Great rejoicing. Joy inexpressible. Joy that mere words are inadequate to describe. Joy that is off the emotional charts. Joy that can only be traced to Christ’s presence in a believer’s heart!
Joy inexpressible cannot be captured by words, but when you got it, you know it!!!!!
Oh, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Knowing the above how can we do anything less in 2022 than live our life overflowing with inexpressible joy!
Wake up every day with Christ’s joy. Get out of bed with a song of joy to the Lord in your heart and on your lips. Put a huge smile on your face that radiates the love of Christ. Walk with a bounce in your step that says I am rejoicing that I am saved through faith in Jesus. Share with others Jesus’ joy through your attitude, countenance, words and deeds.  
 Joy inexpressible can and must be shared with a world that is longing for the joy of the Lord. 2022 is ripe with opportunities to share with searching souls the joy of knowing Jesus.
Whatever your New Year’s Resolutions may be, as a Christian, I urge you to consider that you will have an attitude in 2022 of inexpressible joy because of your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Let the joy of the Lord flow from you into everyone’s life you meet!
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
‘For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17
“And these things I write to you that your joy may be made complete.” I John 1:4
 A Word For Your Week: Make 2022 the year of inexpressible joy in your heart.