Scripture
22So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:22-24
Observation
What is this joy that Jesus is promising and providing through The Cross? What does it mean to receive an abundant joy that no one can take from me? It’s like the person of your dreams making a life long covenant to love you and sealing it with a kiss. It’s like moving into a fully furnished home. It’s like a gas tank that never runs empty. It’s like a blank check that won’t bounce no matter how many zeros you write in. It’s like opening all of the Christmas presents and then seeing the one you really wanted hiding behind the couch. It’s like a beach vacation with your favorite people that doesn’t have to end. It’s being told by the God of the Universe that He loves us so much He sent His only Son to take our place, to die for our sin so we can be forever with Him! Jesus is our source of an unstoppable, unending, unconditional joy no matter what’s going on the world around us. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Application
This morning I was listening to one of my favorite Switchfoot songs “Joy Invincible”. The lyrics to the chorus are so powerful:
Hallelujah nevertheless, was the song the pain couldn't destroy
Hallelujah nevertheless, You're my joy invincible
Joy invincible, joy
Tears were in my eyes when the phone rings
If only life didn't need us to be this brave
But we don't live in the world of if only's
Stretched tight in between our birth and our graves
Hallelujah nevertheless
(You can watch the lyric video here https://youtu.be/uA_UiAFLDSA)
I didn’t know the story behind the song until today. Jon Foreman shares: “‘JOY INVINCIBLE’ is a song about a joy that transcends pain. It was written as a response to one of the most difficult seasons of my life – praying for a family member from a hospital waiting room. Sometimes a song gains meaning as time progresses. This song means even more to me now, in this season of emergency.”
Then, I sat down to read John 16 this morning, and here was Jesus talking about the way He was going to provide an invincible joy for all who believed and called on His name. I needed the reminder as there is so much going on around that threatens to steal my joy. Not just the worldwide pandemic, the social unrest, the declining economy, and the tense election. In my own world, so many are facing so much! Yet, Jesus makes it clear that no one can have my joy unless I hand it over to them. So, today I’m singing this chorus over my friends and family! Invincible joy for my friends who just found out their 10-year-old daughter has Type 1 Diabetes. Invincible joy for my friends whose preemie baby boys are in the incubator, need to rest, increase their weight, and build their heart and lungs in the days to come. Invincible joy for my friend who found out her husband has been cheating on her. My Mom, who faces chronic back pain every day, has chosen to live up to her middle name- Joy- and choose Jesus every single day! I will follow her example and sing out loud “Hallelujah nevertheless, was the song the pain couldn't destroy. Hallelujah nevertheless, You're my joy invincible”.
Prayer
Thank You Jesus for the reminder that happiness and joy are not the same things. Happiness is a fleeting emotion that comes and goes based on circumstances. Joy is a gift of The Holy Spirit that stays with me through highs and lows, trials, and triumphs and never lets me go! Jesus, You are my joy invincible and nothing can separate me from You!
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