Joy In Jesus

Definition of Joy

The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; or elation.
-Webster’s Dictionary

When I was asked to begin writing letters to some of the inmates at Shirley MCI I must admit my motives were a bit selfish. As a teacher and a writer, I originally saw this as a wonderful opportunity to use my giftings to advance the Kingdom and help others. I could not wait to share how much I have learned in the faith and with good intentions, simply wanted to pour out and invest into the lost and broken souls that are stuck behind the prison walls. As I sat down and began to write my first letter I distinctly remember thinking how awesome this was going to be, and how mentoring prisoners was going to be such an amazing experience (for them).  

The reality was that God had other plans for me within this ministry and it had much more to do with my own heart. What I failed to realize was that this experience was going to be more about me, than it was the men to which I was writing. As I excitedly opened my first letter from the prison, within seconds it was rather clear that while the author was behind bars, surrounded by guards, and barbed wire, that I was truly the prisoner. 

Within the first few words of the letter, I knew I would never be the same again. As I unfolded the tattered notebook paper I found myself surprised to see the words, “Greetings, I write to you with great joy and peace” scribbled across the top of the page. If conviction was a WWE Wrestler, then I just got body slammed! Immediately I was thrown, reflecting on how easily I often slip into spiritual disharmony over the most trivial things such as forgetting my computer for work, running out of shampoo in the shower, or having to cut the grass to the beautiful home (that we prayed for). How in the world could this man be writing about joy and peace while behind the walls of a prison?  While his letter only revealed a tiny glimpse into his story, it offered a full perspective into his heart. At the same time I believe Jesus was right in this with us, and using this man’s experience for my own continued transformation and growth.  Where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20

As I began to unpack the remainder of the letter, I couldn’t help but think of the Apostle Paul. While in prison as he crafted his letter to the church of Philippi, Paul wrote, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live with almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.  For I can do anything through Christ who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:11-14  After reading the letter, I couldn’t help but wrestle with the idea that, while we know that God wants us to live a life of abundance, can material provision cause us to lose our hunger for Jesus?  Can we get lost in worldly possessions and pursuits and extinguish the very fire that burned bright in our place of surrender?

One day early in my walk with Jesus, newly sober and recently saved, I distinctly remember driving home from a day by the water. It was summer and the sun was setting as I drove down the highway listening to worship music. My messy, entangled past was still a very harsh reminder of the damage that had been done and I had a great deal of work to do. However, as I drove I felt this supernatural peace, safety, and an intimate connection, and my soul knew that it was all going to be ok. This was, what I believe, my first true encounter with joy. Please note that this was not the joy according to Webster (the dictionary guy), but the joy according to Jesus. The joy that Jesus speaks of comes in the struggle, in the uncertainty, and in the storm. It is not a feeling, it is a gift that comes from the Holy Spirit and by abiding in Jesus. “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Psalms 94:19  

So I leave you with this very simple message.  Hold tight to your moment of surrender.  With praise and thanksgiving, I encourage you to return to that wonderful place, to the exact moment when Jesus got a hold of your heart.  Spend less time in the pain and suffering, and more time in how far he has brought you, and even more, where he wants to take you.  One of the most beautiful attributes to a relationship with God, is that Jesus is the baseline to our joy, not our feelings or external circumstances.  The things that we strive for become the by-product of knowing Jesus and carrying out his will over our lives.  Joy is available to us all and the best is yet to come.