Advent Adventure- 6 Days to Christmas: A Healing Joy
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“A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22
Joy has a wonderful way of lifting our spirits like nothing else. As we discussed earlier, joy is unique from happiness in so many ways. Happiness is circumstantial and really depends on outside factors for its rewards. They typically come and go quickly without producing any kind of security. Joy, on the other hand, tends to linger. There is a depth and timelessness to joy that is independent of what you may be going through on the outside because it comes from within.
During this Advent Adventure, we are reminded of Christ entering the world and, at the same time, entering our hearts. Pure joy was made incarnate when Jesus was born, and it lives on in all who believe. In spite of suffering and trials, we only have to look to Christ, who suffered and maintained his joyful disposition. We see in Hebrews that Christ endured the persecution and shame for Joy.“…For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
This needs to be our focal point in times of misery. The great test of our faith and character will be whether grief and joy coexist. Happiness and sadness are almost mutually exclusive, but joy must learn to live with grief… for now. Proverbs 17:22 even reminds us that part of the cure for our woes lies within joy itself: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
When you are beginning to feel crushed, turn to the most joyful things in your life. Don’t forget that joy comes from within! The most amazing and wonderful pieces of what you need are not found outside of you. You do not need more money, new friends, a better family, a nicer home, or a greater job to be joyful. There is an interesting inverse to look at when it comes to grief. All the heartaches, pains, trials, and struggles that come with a crushed spirit can be cured with the joy found on Christmas.
This Christmas, look to Christ for your joy. Take a moment right now to find it. Given how busy everything is, you may have to wade through a lot right now, but centering yourself on Jesus will begin to heal your bones. Jesus will lead the way.
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.