Depth of Joy

I know that in this season joy has felt far from you. Life has felt hard going, and your circumstances have been tough. You have felt that you ‘should’ be joyful in all things, but in reality this has been just outside of your grasp. My child, release the pressure you have placed upon yourself – for I do not expect you to always feel happy in all things; happiness and joy are not the same.

When I went to Gethsemane my soul was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. I understand the human reality of emotion, and the physical toll it can take upon you.

But in these times there is a depth of joy that you have full access to, because of the price that I paid on the cross.

The true depth of joy is gritty and authentic, and is found when you dig deep enough – beyond the overwhelm of your emotions, and into the true hope that one day every tear will be wiped from your eyes. When I return victorious.

For your hope is not in the things of this world, but in the victory that I have won on your behalf.

When troubles come, stand firm and dig down into the depth of joy that you can fully access through my sacrifice and victory. For in despair, true joy grows from the hope that is found in the One that has conquered death for your freedom.

Activation: Read the passage below from Hebrews a few times and ask the Lord to show you what it means in the Spirit. Press into verse 2 where it says ‘for the joy set before him he endured the cross.’ Ask Jesus what that depth of joy involves, and how you can access it.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Matthew 26:36-39 (NIV)

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’