Uncovered joy in everyday life because of the cross

This post is all about uncovered joy in everyday life because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. If you find yourself lacking joy, this bible study will equip you with tools to uncover joy in your life.

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Uncovered joy through the lens of the cross

Joy is not circumstantial or situational. It’s all around us. We can see joy in the beauty that God instilled in all the world, but sometimes we must work a little harder to uncover it. Although it can be easy to get bogged down in the stresses and monotony of life, joy can be found even in those situations.

Joy is not an end goal. But it is a by-product of living a life devoted to Christ. The closer you get to Christ, the more you will uncover joy in every circumstance. This is through knowing that the ONLY reason we can have joy is because of the finished work of the cross. Jesus made a way for us to have a relationship with the giver of all joy. And that is our reason for joy.

Joy is fundamental to the Christian walk

Have you ever seen a baby smile the biggest smile at someone making a funny face or clapping their hands? When you look at the baby, you can’t help but see the joy radiating off of their face. Their deep belly laughs entice you to continue the shenanigans, eliciting even more joy from them.

This is joy. Webster’s Dictionary defines joy as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” Although this is a great definition, it lacks the nuances of the Joy that Christians have uncovered.

As Christians, we have a joy that is ingrained in our very being. One that is produced by the Holy Spirit living inside us. This joy causes us to see the world differently – through the lens of the beauty of Christ.

The importance of uncovering joy

Uncovering joy in everyday life is very important. Not only does it increase mental health and give you a sense of purpose, but it leads to deeper and more meaningful relationships, a sense of being fulfilled and having a purpose, and draws you closer to your relationship with Christ.

It can be so easy to get bogged down in the monotony of life – whether that be working a 9-5 job or being a stay-at-home mom. But God desires for you to live a life filled with Joy.

If you find yourself struggling with a lack of joy in your life, allow yourself to feel every emotion you are feeling. Are you lonely? Are you sad? Don’t suppress your feelings, but don’t settle for staying there either.

As a follower of Christ, you are to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Any emotion or feeling that you are experiencing that does not match the character of God must be taken captive and replaced with the truth of God.

Just as a baby can go from being cranky because they hit their head on a table leg, to laughing so hard they can’t breathe at the sight of a balloon, you too can replace sorrow with joy.

Uncovered joy because of the cross

Throughout the old Testament, the Jews were in a state of waiting. Waiting for the promised Messiah who would come and rescue them from their current bondage. During this time of waiting, they continued to make sacrifices day after day to atone for their sins so that they could be made closer to God. You see, God is a Holy God, which means He is set apart. He calls us to also be set apart, but sin entered the world and no matter how hard we try, we often miss the mark and fall short of the glory of God. This separation leaves a longing in our soul.

There is good news though. The Messiah that the Jews were waiting for arrived! Throughout His ministry on the earth, He taught us how to live and love. He was ultimately crucified for our sake – so that we might be reconciled to God through Him. Through His death, He restored our relationship with God.

The more we spend time with God, reading His Word, fellowshipping with other believers, and spending time in prayer, the more we uncover the joy that is found in the Cross.

joy uncovered by God — Spending time with God leads to uncovered joy.

The cross as the source of joy

In 1 Peter 1, Paul talks about the joy that we have because of the cross. How God, “in His great mercy, has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (V. 3).

Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Because of our sin separating us from God, we deserve death. But because God had mercy on us, He sent His one and only son to die for our sins. Jesus, our sacrificial lamb took our place and because of that, we have new life through Him. Because of the cross, we also have an “inheritance which can never perish, spoil, or fade” (V. 4) This is why joy is not based on situations. Nothing can steal the joy that God gives through a restored relationship with Him.

Paul continues to write that those who believe in Christ are filled with an “inexpressible and glorious joy” (v. 8). This joy is rooted in the fact that we know that our current trials and circumstances, while they may be difficult, are going to lead to a deeper knowledge and relationship with God. And ultimately, we will get to worship God forever in heaven.

There is a profound joy that comes from understanding the significance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Joy uncovered in the Bible

Biblical joy is found throughout the Bible. This joy that is given by God is founded on a deep sense of gladness, contentment, and delight that transcends understanding and circumstances. Joy is rooted in a relationship with God and can be uncovered by studying His word and character.

In John 15, Jesus tells his disciples that if they remain in Him, they will bear much fruit. If we remain in Christ, following His commands, we will be nourished and enriched by His love. Jesus goes on to say “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11).

This is a clear example that biblical joy is not based on circumstances, but rather it is based on being rooted in Christ. True and complete joy is found in a relationship with Christ. It is through Christ that we can experience the full measure of joy (John 17:13).

Uncovered joy starts with finding contentment.

Part of experiencing this full measure of joy is being content. Paul writes that he has “learned the secret of being content in any situation” (Philippians 4:12). But what is this secret? It’s simple: be focused on Christ. Be rooted in the savior. Be devoted to following God. When you keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, it is possible to not grow weary and lose heart.

Often when we are not content with our lives, it is because we think we should be more, do more, or have more. This feeling of not-enoughness steals the joy that Christ promises when we truly rest in Him and find ourselves in Him.

Biblical joy is being content and satisfied in God’s provision and presence, rather than a pursuit of worldly pleasures or achievements.

Uncovered strength in the joy of Christ

There is such a transformative power of God’s joy at work in Christian’s lives, providing strength and guidance in life’s journey. Nehemiah 8:10 says “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

True joy comes from the Lord and is the source of strength for believers. The joy of the Lord enables you to endure difficulties with resilience and hope.

Joy uncovered in the presence of God

“You make known to me the path of life: you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).

Joy is a gift from God and is uncovered when we are found in the presence of God! It is a gift from God and is accompanied by the assurance of eternal blessings.

Related post: How to be still before God

Biblical joy is grounded in an eternal perspective, knowing that the ultimate fulfillment of joy comes from being in the presence of God for eternity. This perspective enables believers to endure present sufferings with hope and confidence.

Uncovered Joy that is unshakable

Unlike happiness, which can fluctuate based on circumstances, biblical joy remains steadfast even during difficult circumstances. James 1:2-3 says to “Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” If we let this perseverance finish its work, James promises that we will be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Joy and trials are not mutually exclusive. They can coexist. This is possible because joy is founded in the completed work of Jesus on the Cross.

“Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Jesus promised that in this life you will have trouble, but he also promised that He has overcome thing world. When we are found in Christ we will see that joy is uncovered in the midst of suffering because we know that Christ will prevail and He will overcome.

Joy comes from the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives

True biblical joy can only be uncovered through the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In Galatians, Paul talks about some of the qualities that a Christian should strive for when the Holy Spirit is working in them. These include “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Since joy is listed as one of the fruits of having the Holy Spirit working in our lives, we know that Joy is given by the Spirit and produced from a relationship that is in alignment with God’s will.

Reflecting on the transformative power of uncovered joy

True biblical joy is given through the Holy Spirit as a result of Jesus’s finished work on the cross. Joy can be experienced because He has restored our relationship with God.

This is the transformative power of Christ in your life: giving you the endurance to weather any storm with a sense of peace and joy that surpasses any understanding. This joy is uncovered when you are rooted in Christ and holding fast to Him, seeking first the kingdom of God.

How can you uncover the joy of Christ today?

Related post: How to be completely devoted to God alone

This post was all about joy uncovered because of the completed work of Jesus on the cross, restoring our relationship with God and allowing the Holy Spirit to work inside our lives.