Jeremiah 31:13 “Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, And the young men and the old, together; For I will turn their mourning to joy, Will comfort them, And make them rejoice rather than sorrow.”
In this season of Christmas, many thoughts are drawn toward the greatest gift that has ever been given. The advent of the Messiah marked the dawn of a new age, the dispensation of grace fell upon the world in the form of a child who came for the purpose of giving His life for the lost.
When the Father gave His Son, it was by His grace the world was offered eternal life. For those who have been called and responded to that call, true joy has been their reward.
When considering the millions of people who have trusted in Christ, the world takes on a different appearance. For those who haven’t experienced the joy of redemption, hope is hard to find.
Christian Martyrdom
For much of the world, trouble seems to be brewing. Pestilence, war, and an ever increasing evil that seems to rise to the surface is ever present.
Christians across the world are no strangers to persecution. Violent attacks have been common against christian families and churches wherever they live, leaving many people in sadness.
This narrative is shocking for countries throughout the world, but it is not uncommon for the church. From the apostles to every faithful servant in God’s Kingdom, many who have gone forth and proclaimed the good news have known trouble. Satan hates the message of Emmanuel coming down to dwell among people, a miraculous advent that has reverberated throughout history.
With all of the trouble, many people will ask.…where is the comfort and joy?
- For the christians in North Korea who can’t even tell family members about their faith?
- For believers in North Sudan or Nigeria, scattered and slaughtered for their confession of faith?
- For faithful believers in China who have to secretly meet in homes and businesses for fear of arrest?
John 15:9-11 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.“
The ones who have gone before and the ones who live under persecution today, each have known the joy of Jesus leading them through the dark valleys of life.
The Joy of the Lord
For the world, joy is a topic that carries with it an air of mystery. Great comfort and happiness can be experienced in a multitude of ways but true joy goes much deeper.
Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy. May You shelter them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.”
The joy of the Lord carries with it a satisfaction of His abiding presence. Joy wells up in the heart of the redeemed and spills forth into realms of exaltation and praise. When joy resides in the heart, all attempts at stealing that joy fall helplessly short.
The redeemed of the Lord will find themselves in poverty, in chains, in forced labor, despised by men, shunned from families, and given over to execution. In every trial and tumult, the evidence of resounding joy still rings forth.
Isaiah 55:12 “For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”
The obedience of the faithful leads them in God’s strength and that strength is found in joy. It is with joy that those of the light share the gospel with the lost. It is with joy when the journey is long and arduous, the patient pilgrim presses on in God’s strength.
Resounding Comfort
What comfort do people gain from following Christ?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Paul reminded the church in Corinth how the Lord comforts His people in their tribulations while they in turn bless and comfort others. The Lord equips His people and supplies them with everything necessary for life and godliness.
The comfort God brings is meant to be shared with others.
Have you ever known someone who was going through a major life changing moment only to witness them living in peace?
The ones who can have peace in the midst of suffering understand what it means to abide in Christ.
John 14:23-24 “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.”
Comfort and Peace doesn’t come naturally, it is divinely given.
Believers have a responsibility in how they live and yet sin hinders their joy. Peace comes by way of obedience and obedience by the Word of God.
John 14:25-27 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
The peace this world yearns for has been offered up by way of the Spirit, He instructs in the way we should go and that path leads His people to Him.
During this season of advent, we are reminded of the arrival of the newborn King 2000 years ago which brought a chorus of angels in the heavens, singing of the peace that God has given.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:13-14
Comfort and Joy comes by way of the Savior and His love is offered to all who would believe.
Today, if you have known the fullness of joy in Christ, if you have experienced the comfort of His love, then let others know who haven’t heard.
There is no greater gift we can give than to share Jesus with others.
U.T. 