Joy amidst the embers

How might we experience joy in the midst of the fires of trial or trouble? I’ve been following the news about the devastating fires in California. The BBC, in one online report said, “For thousands of residents of Los Angeles, the fires took almost everything they had … as the embers cooled, some residents of Altadena, which was ravaged by the Eaton Fire, returned to see what remained: An artifact from their lives before this disaster. From the rubble, many found small trinkets that brought them smiles and, occasionally, a moment of joy amid the hellish ordeal.”
 
“A moment of joy” - is that all we can expect or hope for in this momentary life? Scottish Baptist evangelist and teacher, Oswald Chambers, in his book “Run Today’s Race” wrote, “Happiness depends on what happens; joy does not.”
 
The scriptures teach that true joy stems not from external circumstances nor inner emotions, nor in the finding of trinkets amidst the trauma. True joy, lasting joy, is found in the presence of Christ and in living according to His word and will. The joy that Jesus offers is not fragile or fleeting, nor dependent on worldly successes or possessions, which will, one day, all disappear. Jesus’ joy is eternal; rooted in the unchanging love of God, ultimately expressed through Christ’s cross.
 
The Apostle Paul, despite enduring hardships, imprisonment and suffering for the sake of the gospel, welcomes joy as an essential part of the Christian life. He exhorts the church, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Paul chooses to focus on God's goodness – to always have the attitude of gratitude: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Theologian Karl Barth said, “Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.”
 
Available for every receiver of Christ, joy is fruit which the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) cultivates in the garden of our heart. It has been said that, “Joy is the flag that flies over the castle of our hearts announcing that the King is in residence today.” (Anon) Is the King in residence in your heart today? Jesus tells his disciples that, through relationship with Him, His joy completes their joy: "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11).
 
The Doxology of Jude assures believers of everlasting joy, even in the face of devastating loss in this world, “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 23-25)
 
I pray we each, through Christ, experience lasting joy, especially amidst the embers of this perishable world.
Revd. Michael Hogg