Right now is the season when we talk about being joyful and triumphant. It’s a time of celebration and festivities. It’s a time to reconnect with old friends and close family members. It’s supposed to be an exciting time of fun and excited anticipation. But not everyone is joyful and triumphant this time of year.
Some of us are working through depression and anxiety. Some are trying to mend broken relationships. Some are feeling the weight of a difficult marriage. Others are praying for their adult children who do not have a relationship with God. All of us are dealing with the pressures of work and a busy calendar. But you know, Jesus doesn’t call the joyful or the triumphant.
Jesus calls those who are weary and burdened (see Matthew 11:28-29). He also beckons those who know they need salvation (Matthew 9:12-13). There are moments when we’ve tried everything to make it work or heal the relationship only to discover after long nights that we really need Jesus. And Jesus invites those of us who are tired and worn out to follow him. But if he calls us in that state, he doesn’t leave us there.
You see, Jesus helps us become more faithful. The writer of Hebrews in chapter 12 calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of our faith. When life happens. When darkness looms large. When we feel hopeless, we fix our eyes on Jesus who will lead us to our salvation. He is a faithful God. He will lead us through the deep water, the fire, the uncertainty (Isaiah 43:2-3).
Jesus also helps us become more joyful. His spirit living in us is what produces the love, peace and joy we desperately need right now. And know, joy and happiness, are worlds apart. See, happiness is determined by the happenings around me while my joy comes from Jesus. I can be upset about a relationship. I can be put off by what’s happening in the world. I can be crest-fallen by my work place. But joy never goes away because of Jesus.
Jesus also helps me become more triumphant. You see, the Living God has my back. Simply read Isaiah 9:6-7 to be reminded that we serve an incredible Savior. His story reveals his journey from a manger to a throne. That baby lying in a manger is the Lord of lords and King of kings. He’s the light of the world. He was born the King of angels…He is Christ the Lord.
This season is about gone but the faithfulness of God will never leave. He calls us to be faithful all year long as well. That’s the challenge: tell the story of our incredible Savior all year long. He gives us the faith we need; plants joy in our hearts; Jesus story is one of triumph. Blessings on the journey.