Grace + Joy

Grace is that which causes joy. – Dr. Bill Cook

This simple phrase has held me through many difficult seasons in my life because it redirects my thoughts. Philippians 4:4 gives us a command to rejoice in the Lord, rejoice in the Lord always. Philippians 4:8 tells us HOW to rejoice in the Lord always- by meditating on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. These thoughts produce a joy in us that is rooted in grace and flows out in praise.

Melissa Kruger puts it perfectly, a desire for joy is a desire for Jesus. The ultimate portrayal of grace is Jesus on the cross. Grace is the undeserved gift of God. We deserve eternal punishment as a consequence to our sins. Sin defiles us so much and offends God so much so that, we cannot be in His presence lest His perfect holiness be tainted. We are separated from God because of our filth. Jesus, in His kindness, took on our punishment of death at the cross and conquered it by raising to life. When we trust and follow Jesus, turning away from our sin, we stand before God as a new creation and reconciled into relationship with Him. This is saving grace.

Jesus, on the way to the cross, cared for our joy. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy be full (John 15:11). He knew joy would come from His sacrifice and He wanted that for us. How deeply loved are we?

We can have joy in salvation but we can also have joy in the graces of our day to day lives until Jesus’ return. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights (James 1:17a). This verse explicitly explains that we have not earned anything we have but it is given to us- undeservingly given to us. These are the things I rejoice God for but also meditate on when life becomes overwhelming. The encouraging text from a friend, an answered prayer, a financial need met, a loving church family, a comforting Truth in a sermon. God’s grace is all around us.

So whether you are mourning the loss of a loved one, struggling with infertility, facing job loss or maybe the daily burdens of motherhood are drowning you, the sear of singleness weighs on you, whatever you are facing- God’s grace is sufficient to see you through. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning(Psalm 30:5). Meditate on God’s grace until morning comes, friends.