Jesus came to earth to bring joy, as the angels announced (Luke 2:8-10). Following his resurrection, he greeted his disciples with “Rejoice!” (Matthew 28:9).
Christ’s followers have joy because they have been released from their past sins, like the Ethiopian who learned of the Savior by asking questions about the suffering Servant in Isaiah 53 (Acts 8:26-39). The Philippine jailer experienced similar joy after he showed repentance by washing Paul and Silas’ stripes and was baptized (Acts 16:25-34).
Jesus ties loving obedience to joyfulness (John 15:10-11). Paul said, “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Paul wrote to the saints in Philippi, “Rejoice in the Lord.” He went on to say, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!” (Philippians 3:1; 4:4).
Oddly, sorrow can prepare one to experience a greater joy. As Jesus helped the disciples get ready for His impending death, He explained this wonderful fact of life (John 16:20-24). The disciples experienced a greater joy at being in the presence of the Lord after they suffered through losing Him in the death on the cross.
Those wearing the name of Christ may endure suffering for him. This can actually lead to experiencing even greater joy through the patience, character and hope coming out of enduring such trials (Romans 5:1-5). Those who love the Lord and accept his call through the gospel can know everything will work out for good in the end (Romans 8:28).
Don’t let the world or bad situations rob you of joy. Get rid of the burdens of the past by yielding to Christ’s will in penitent baptism. Then, faithfully follow Christ’s will for your life as one of his followers. Remember bad times can lead to greater joy if we patiently endure and trust God to bring about our ultimate good.
Gary Hampton