Joy

One of the common words of the New Testament is joy. Joy is the natural outworking of the Spirit’s work in our lives. But joy is not merely a giddy happiness apart from the nitty gritty of real life. Joy is something that can be found even in the midst of deep sorrow. The Scriptures even tie joy to suffering. 

The Spirit, speaking through Peter, says 1Pet. 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

         

We are partakers of Christ’s sufferings. He endured the cross. We are crucified in Christ. We suffer in this life looking to a greater glory. We are partakers of Christ’s joy. He endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him on the other side. We are part of His joy. He went to the cross for the joy of redeeming His saints.

         

And we rejoice, too, with exceeding joy, for we see the glory of Christ revealed in our own lives, in His Church, and in the world that God so loves.