Unshakable Joy
The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. Proverbs 10:28
INSIGHT
I'm not much for conspiracy theories, but I do believe my smartphone listens in on my conversations. I've lost count of how many times this has happened: I'll be talking about something random with friends and the next time I scroll through social media or checking my email an advertisement for that subject mysteriously appears. Hello...Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, creeper much?
What's interesting is the message behind most of these ads. If I purchase ______ (fill in the blank), my life will have meaning and purpose. If I go on this vacation, my cares and worries will disappear. If I use this program, I'll be a "new me" in 30 days. For only $19.99, plus shipping, everything I ever wanted could be mine.
They come in different packages, but the thing they're selling remains the same; namely, joy. It's what we all want. We're all searching for it and hoping to experience it. Marketing experts understand this striving for joy remains ingrained in the human heart and they play off it for profit. Those things they're selling might bring us happiness for a time, allow us to experience a bit of pleasure, or keep us entertained, but they'll never lead to unshakeable joy.
Joy resides in one place: being in a relationship with the One who made us, knows us, and loves us.
The way to life isn't a plan to follow or a product to be purchased; instead, it's a person. We don't have to earn His affection or pay for His attention. He gave us the gift of His presence freely, with no strings attached. By being in His presence, and remaining there, we look different. We get transformed from the inside out.
A type of viral marketing takes place through our encounter with Christ.
We want those around us to share in the joy we've experienced firsthand. Like a great song or a stirring movie, we can't help but share what Christ means to us. Having a thriving relationship with Him enables us to have genuine connections with others.
REFLECTION
What are the implications that our joy finds completion in our connection with Christ?
PRAYER
God, there is no place I'd rather be than by Your side. Joy resides in Your presence. I will remember this truth when the enemy attempts to convince me otherwise. My ability to love others, display courage, and walk in obedience comes through staying connected to You. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
