“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).

Dearest Resurrected Lord, 

When I think of joy, I think of happiness in the forms of smiles, laughter, and good times with family and friends. Then the spell of happiness is broken when the tears begin to roll over the brokenness in myself and these same relationships. This sadness loves to turn my thoughts inward and away from you, the source of joy.

You took up my cross and broke its deathly hold on me. You didn’t do this happily—you knew the pain you would experience in the complete separation from your holy Father because of my sinful heart. You sweated blood for the strain you were under to do this work on my behalf. But you saw beyond your own suffering to what awaited me if you didn’t go through with it.

You saw my restoration on the other side of your persecution and death. Your work would bring about my eternal life. So you persevered and removed my death sentence.

That same holy joy is what your Holy Spirit creates in me. A joy knowing you love me that much—that your Father and mine loved me that much. A joy that goes beyond the temporary sadness on this side of heaven. A joy that keeps my eyes fixed on you in this life and to the reward you alone earned for me in the life to come.

Thank you.