In Christ

What was Jesus like? You may not think the bible gives us many clues of what Jesus was really like, but it does when you read it.

Jesus was full of joy! Too many movies show Jesus walking around with a somber expression on His face all the time. This is a traditional, religious view of Him. He still had all the same emotions we have because He was human, but I happen to like the few movies that have been made showing Jesus as a joyful, fun-loving Person.

In the book of Nehemiah 8:10 Ezra the priest and scribe states: "the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Jesus had to be strong to withstand everything that came against Him and His ministry! Think about it. What kept Him so strong? The joy of the Lord kept Him strong!

Does this mean that we need to walk around with a smile glued on our face all the time? No, that would just look ridiculous to most people. True joy resides in our spirit, but will radiate in our faces most of the time. We may not always be smiling, yet we have joy inside us, making us strong to carry out what God has for us to do in this life.

Joy is definitely one of the characteristics of our heavenly Father. As Nehemiah states, our joy comes from the Lord. If you don't have much joy in your life, then look around, find something that gives you some joy, then thank the Lord for it!

Maybe it's just as simple as you are not spending enough time with the Lord. This is more important than most people realize. Our joy (or strength) will help carry us through impossible looking situations.

Hebrews 12:2, 3 tells us, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

How awesome is that? Joy definitely gave Jesus the strength to carry through with His mission! Joy will do the same for you as well! By faith, start thanking the Lord for joy in your spirit, and you will start to see it work in you as you spend time with our Source of strength!

Submitted by Pastor Rena Mae