Our Joy Matters to Jesus

from Find Joy In All Things by Melissa B. Kruger

On the night before He died, Jesus shared a final meal and conversation with His disciples. What was Jesus concerned about as He prepared to leave those He loved? 

In John 14–16 we read that Jesus comforted His disciples and encouraged them to not be troubled. He also taught them to abide. Apart from Jesus they could do nothing. 

And then Jesus explained why He was telling them all these things. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). 

Jesus was concerned about our joy. 

‭looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:2‬

As I write these words right now, my eyes brim with tears. Love so amazing, so divine! At the height of His own agony, Jesus desired my joy and yours. It’s unbelievable, isn’t it? For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross. 

And Jesus wasn’t hoping for us to have a little bit of happiness. He wants us to have fullness of joy—overflowing, abundant. Our joy matters to Jesus. 

Jesus is the source of our joy, and He’s the sustainer of it. Apart from Him, our lives are made up of empty, meaningless attempts to find satisfaction. We wander, desperately thirsty until we drink from Him. He’s the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega. Every good gift is from His hand, and nothing good exists apart from Him. Our desire for joy is ultimately a desire for Jesus. 

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6‭-‬9‬ ‭

In Philippians, we see genuine joy. Joy begins with salvation and increases as we experience true fellowship, understand Christ’s lordship, partake in Christ’s humility, and obey God’s Word. As we grow in faith, our desires change. We long to know Jesus. We place our hope in heavenly joys rather than earthly circumstances. We pray with thanksgiving rather than fret with anxiety. We give generously to further the work of the gospel. 

Just as Paul learned the secret of being content in plenty and in need, as we grow in our dependence on God, we bloom into women of joy. 

My final words to you reflect my deepest desire for you: Don’t stop studying God’s Word. Abide in God, pray to Him, seek Him continually. 

May His joy be in you, and may it be full. 

What does it mean to choose joy, no matter the circumstances?