Season of Hope: Inexpressible Joy
MARCH 2, 2024

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:11

Recommended Reading: John 16:17-24
It is said that during one of Martin Luther’s periods of depression, he found his wife, Katharina, dressed in black. He asked her why she was wearing black, and she responded, “Because I am in mourning.” He asked, “Over what?” She replied, “God has died.” He said, “You know better than that.” And then she said, “I do, and you do too. Why don’t you start living like you believe that God is alive?”

Because of the Resurrection not just happiness, in our life! Jesus spoke to the disciples about joy. “I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy” (John 16:20). Jesus knew that the disciples would experience deep sorrow in the coming days, but He wanted them to know that their sorrow would be turned to joy.

The joy that comes from Christ is not a joy that is dependent on our circumstances, finances, employment, or relationships. Instead, it is a continual, never ending, constant joy that fills our heart and life as we follow Christ. Because of the Resurrection we are filled with inexpressible joy, knowing that because He lives we will live also!

There is every element of joy—deep, ecstatic, satisfying, sanctifying joy—in the gospel of Christ.
Octavius Winslow