Amazing grace, amazing joy!

Christians make a distinction between being happy and being joyful. The former is about circumstances; when things are going our way, we are happy. The latter is about the deep joy of Jesus Christ that is in our hearts because He lives there.

I’ve had a few occasions in my life where His joy surprised me. My circumstances should have spelled anguish and sorrow, but instead, I felt joyful. No reason, just that I was keenly aware of the wild and wonderful presence of God — and knew that He is in control, even in those negative situations.

Joy is about eternal matters. Jesus encouraged this focus in His disciples. When they were excited over their new found power to cast out demons, He said to them:

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:19–20)

Jesus reminded them that power over demons is a circumstance and for this life, but assurance of heaven is an eternal matter. Besides His reminder, He also displayed this amazing joy in His own life. The very next verses show how He also rejoiced in eternal things.

In that same hour He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.” (Luke 10:21–22)

Jesus was joyful because His Father had revealed truth to believers. This is eternal. Once we know truth, it can never be taken away. I marvel every day at the wonderful things God reveals to me. His truth is a source of great joy.

Jesus also marveled at the will of God. First, that it can be known. God reveals it to those who trust in Him. Second, His will is gracious. Grace is God giving blessing to those who have not earned it nor do we deserve it. It is God’s goodness to sinners. This little phrase “Your gracious will” says volumes about the attitude of God toward His people. It is also a source of great joy. Since God is the same yesterday, today and forever, His will is eternally gracious — and that is cause to rejoice.

Jesus rejoiced because the Father had given Him all things. In simple terms, the two of them, plus the Holy Spirit, are in cahoots! All the plans of the Father are also plans of the Son and implemented through the power of the Holy Spirit. Their wills are one. Great joy is intertwined in the heart of God, a great joy that He is pleased to give to those who believe in Him.

Jesus also rejoiced in the power of God to reveal Himself. However, this revelation is not for everyone; it is reserved to those He chooses. Yet He also says, “Whosoever will may come” meaning that grace is open to anyone who wants it, who realizes their need for it. We just need to humble ourselves and come to Him. When He bestows that amazing grace, He also gives amazing joy.

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Lord, every now and then You show me something about Yourself that drives home the great privilege I have in experiencing You and Your grace. Thank You for showing me the truth of who You are. Thank You for the joy that I have in You. Thank You for that simple phrase, “He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit” that today reminds me of the wonder of being Your child and the wonder of Your amazing and sustaining joy.