THE SET UP: It has been said that happiness is an emotion, but joy is a decision. We feel happy, but we can choose joy. Happiness is determined by what happens around us, joy is formed within us.
Five days ago, tornadoes ripped through parts of Kentucky and some surrounding states leaving devastation and destruction in their wakes. You have probably seen the footage of entire towns that were leveled. You may have also seen a viral video of Jordan Baize, choosing joy in the middle of a horrific situation. In the video, Jordan sits at the piano in his house, playing a song that says, “Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that name…” Jordan’s home no longer has a roof, and everything that was in the house has been thrown around the rooms or out into the yard. The piano has water damage and is missing a few keys, but Jordan plays finding a moment of hope, worship, and joy in the middle of one of the worst moments of his life.
I am sure Baize didn’t sit down and play because he felt happy (he was in the house to see what could be salvaged for his family). He had every right to feel sad, angry, and bitter, but, in that moment, he chose joy. The source of his joy was revealed in the song that he chose to play, a song that lifted the name of Jesus and gave thanks when thank had to be hard to find.
When Jesus’ birth was announced, it was described as, “good news that will bring great JOY to people.” As we count down to Christmas during this Advent season, we can choose joy because of what Jesus’ birth meant for each and every one of us. The holiday season may not be easy for you. The happiness and “Christmas spirit” that everyone seems to have might not be easy for you to find. But you can choose joy because Jesus came to give us joy that isn’t circumstantial or emotional. It’s a joy based in hope – the hope we find in his death and resurrection.
To help those affected by the tornadoes, we encourage you to give to Convoy of Hope, one of our ministry partners. You can do that here.
PASSAGES TO READ: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Do you see happiness and joy as the same or differently? In your opinion, is it possible to have joy even when you don’t feel happy?
How do you associate joy with Christmas and the birth of Christ?
What do you think Paul means when he writes, “Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.” When you read this passage, what is God showing you?
PRAYER IDEA: “Jesus, thank you for the gift of joy. Help me to choose joy today, despite my circumstances. In your name, amen.”