Finding True Joy in God's Presence Amid Trials

Devotional

Day 1: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Brings True Joy

When we intentionally turn away from distractions and fix our eyes on Jesus, we find a joy that is deeper and more enduring than anything the world can offer. The world is full of things vying for our attention—devices, news, and endless sources of anxiety—but joy is found when we look to Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. This act of turning away from lesser things and focusing on Jesus is not just a suggestion; it is the foundation for experiencing the kind of joy that sustained Jesus even through the cross. When we look to Him, we are anchored, no matter what storms rage around us. [12:14]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What is one distraction you need to intentionally turn away from today in order to fix your eyes more fully on Jesus?

Day 2: Joy Is the Presence of God, Not the Absence of Pain

Joy is not the same as happiness, nor is it dependent on our circumstances. While happiness rises and falls with our emotions and situations, joy is rooted in the unchanging presence of God. Even in the midst of pain, loss, or confusion, joy is possible because God is always with us. The world may tell us that joy is about feeling good or having things go our way, but true joy is found in knowing and experiencing God’s presence, even when life is hard. [25:58]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: In a current struggle or pain, how can you intentionally seek and recognize God’s presence with you today?

Day 3: Joy Sustains Us Through Trials and Points to Eternity

Joy does not erase our pain, but it gives us strength to endure it. Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him—the joy of what was to come, the reunion with His people, and the fulfillment of God’s plan. Likewise, our joy looks beyond present suffering to the hope and promise of eternity with God. Even when happiness is impossible, joy remains because it is anchored in God’s faithfulness and the assurance of His promises. [30:15]

James 1:2 (ESV)
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,"

Reflection: Think of a recent or ongoing trial—how might looking ahead to God’s promises and eternity change your perspective on what you’re facing?

Day 4: Joy Grows Slowly and Sets Us Apart

Just as a pineapple takes years to grow and is crowned with a unique top, joy is cultivated over time and becomes a distinguishing mark of a believer. Joy is often hidden beneath hardship and trials, but when it is revealed, it is sweet and refreshing. It is not instant or manufactured, but grows as we abide in Christ, persevere through trials, and allow God to shape us. This joy is a testimony to others, setting us apart and pointing to the hope we have in Christ. [36:31]

James 1:12 (ESV)
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Reflection: Where in your life do you see God slowly growing joy through perseverance, and how might your response to trials be a testimony to others?

Day 5: Cultivating Joy Through Worship, Scripture, and Sharing

While we cannot manufacture joy, we can cultivate the soil of our hearts so that the Spirit can grow joy within us. This happens as we shift our perspective from seeking happiness to seeking holiness, as we daily engage in worship, immerse ourselves in Scripture, and practice gratitude. Sharing our joy with others becomes a powerful testimony that cannot be denied, even by those who do not share our faith. Our joy is both proof of the gospel and the power behind why we share it. [43:07]

Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can cultivate joy today—through worship, Scripture, gratitude, or sharing your joy with someone else?

Sermon Summary

Joy is not a fleeting feeling or a surface-level emotion that comes and goes with our circumstances. Instead, joy is rooted in the very presence of God, regardless of what we are facing. In a world that is increasingly chaotic, where evil seems to be on the rise and our culture is marked by outrage and exhaustion, it is easy to lose sight of true joy. The enemy, Satan, is actively working to steal our joy, not just by orchestrating tragedy and pain, but by draining the church of its power through joylessness. Yet, our strength is found in the joy of the Lord, and it is this joy that sustains us through every trial.

The world has taught us to equate joy with happiness, but these are fundamentally different. Happiness is circumstantial, unstable, and fleeting—it rises and falls with our successes, comfort, and good fortune. Joy, on the other hand, is anchored in Christ, stable and deep, and it grows stronger through trials. It is not manufactured by man, nor is it dependent on our situation. Joy is the fruit of the Spirit, cultivated over time as we abide in Christ, much like a pineapple that takes years to grow and is crowned with sweetness after enduring harsh conditions.

Jesus himself modeled this for us. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that for the joy set before him, he endured the cross. The cross was not a place of happiness or comfort, but Jesus looked beyond the pain to the joy of what was to come—the redemption and reunion of all who would believe in him. Joy does not erase pain; it sustains us through it. It is the presence of God in the midst of suffering, the assurance that he is with us, strengthening and upholding us.

To experience this kind of joy, we must shift our perspective from seeking happiness to seeking holiness and God’s presence. We cultivate joy by worship, scripture, and gratitude, creating the conditions for the Spirit to grow joy within us. And as we share our joy with others, it becomes a powerful testimony—something undeniable, even to those who do not share our faith. Joy is both a present experience of God and a longing for the fullness we will only know in heaven. It is slow to grow, tough through trials, sweet in its fruit, and crowned with hope.

Key Takeaways

1. Joy is the presence of God, not the absence of pain. True joy is not about escaping hardship or pretending everything is fine; it is about experiencing God’s nearness in the midst of suffering. When we confuse joy with happiness, we miss the depth and stability that only God’s presence can provide. [25:58]
2. Joy is fundamentally different from happiness. Happiness is circumstantial, fleeting, and man-made, while joy is anchored in Christ, stable, and deep. Joy looks beyond the present moment, often past this life and into eternity, and is sustained by God’s unchanging character. [28:08]
3. Joy grows slowly and is often hidden beneath hardship. Like a pineapple, which takes years to mature and is tough on the outside, joy is cultivated over time as we abide in Christ and endure trials. Its sweetness is revealed not in the absence of difficulty, but through perseverance and faithfulness. [34:07]
4. Joy sustains us through sorrow and is rooted in hope. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before him, looking beyond present pain to future glory. In the same way, our joy is not diminished by suffering but is strengthened as we trust in God’s promises and presence, knowing he will uphold us. [31:51]
5. Joy is both a testimony and a foretaste of heaven. Our joy is the most compelling evidence of Christ in us, something that cannot be denied or taken away by others. As we cultivate joy through worship, scripture, and gratitude, we not only experience God’s presence now but also long for the fullness of joy that awaits us in eternity. [43:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Giving as Worship
[02:30] - Observations on Culture and the Church
[04:45] - The Real Enemy: Satan’s Attack on Joy
[06:24] - Young Men Under Attack
[07:09] - Outrage, Exhaustion, and Joylessness
[08:07] - Prayer for God’s Presence and Protection
[09:10] - Introduction to Joy: Fruit of the Spirit
[09:58] - Hebrews 12:2: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
[12:14] - The Distraction of Modern Life
[14:28] - The Oldest Trick: Fixing Our Eyes Elsewhere
[15:13] - Jesus: Author and Perfecter of Faith
[19:00] - The Joy Set Before Jesus
[22:38] - Redefining Joy: Beyond Happiness
[25:58] - Joy as God’s Presence, Not Pain’s Absence
[31:51] - Joy Sustains Through Sorrow
[34:07] - Joy and the Pineapple: Growth, Hardship, and Crown
[39:07] - How to Cultivate Joy
[43:07] - Sharing Joy as Testimony
[45:21] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV) — > "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) — > "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

James 1:2,12 (ESV) — > "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds... Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 12:2, what motivated Jesus to endure the cross? What does the passage say about his attitude toward the shame of the cross?
In Galatians 5:22-23, where does joy come from, and how is it described in relation to other qualities?
The sermon compared joy and happiness. What are some of the key differences between joy and happiness mentioned? ([25:58])
What illustration did the sermon use to describe how joy grows and what it looks like on the outside versus the inside? ([34:07])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the writer of Hebrews says Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before him”? What was that joy, and how is it different from happiness? ([19:00])
The sermon says, “Joy is the presence of God, not the absence of pain.” How does this definition challenge the way most people think about joy? ([25:58])
James 1:2 tells us to “count it all joy” when we face trials. How is it possible to experience joy in the middle of hardship? ([28:08])
The sermon says that joy is “slow to grow, tough through trials, sweet in its fruit, and crowned with hope.” What does this mean for someone who feels like they don’t have much joy right now? ([36:31])

Application Questions

The sermon talked about how Satan tries to steal our joy, not just through tragedy but by making the church joyless and powerless. Have you ever felt your joy being drained by outrage, exhaustion, or the chaos of the world? What did that look like for you? ([07:09])
The difference between happiness and joy is that happiness is based on circumstances, but joy is anchored in Christ. Can you think of a recent situation where you lost happiness but still had joy—or where you realized you were chasing happiness instead of joy? ([28:08])
The pineapple illustration showed that joy can be hidden under a tough exterior and takes time to grow. Is there a hardship in your life right now that could be an opportunity for God to grow joy in you, even if you can’t see it yet? ([34:07])
The sermon said, “Joy is always possible because God is always present.” When have you experienced God’s presence in a hard time, and how did that affect your outlook? ([30:15])
One way to cultivate joy is to shift your focus from seeking happiness to seeking holiness and God’s presence. What is one practical step you can take this week to seek God’s presence—through worship, scripture, or gratitude? ([39:47])
The pastor said that our joy is a powerful testimony to others, even those who don’t share our faith. Who in your life needs to see the joy of Christ in you, and how can you share that joy with them this week? ([43:07])
The sermon challenged us to “tear up our ideas about God” instead of tearing God apart when we don’t understand what He’s doing. Is there a belief or expectation about God you need to surrender so you can experience deeper joy? ([40:31])

Sermon Clips

``Joy is the presence of God, not the absence of pain. It's the presence of God, not the absence of pain. Part of the reason we don't understand joy is because we have confused it with happiness. We say joy, we think happy. Those are absolutely different. Two completely different things. That's why we made two words for them, because they're not the same thing. [00:26:03] (32 seconds) #JoyIsGodsPresence

Happiness depends on what happens to you. Situations determine your happiness. Joy, on the other hand, flows from God's presence. Psalm 1611 says, you fill me with joy in your presence. Joy comes from God's presence, not what is happening to us. [00:26:41] (25 seconds) #JoyNotHappiness

Happiness is unstable. It rises and falls based on emotions, success, and comfort. That's literally what the dictionary told us, that joy rises and falls. It's an emotion which is evoked by feelings of success and goodwill and good fortune, meaning if they go up, joy goes up. If they go down, joy goes down. That's not joy. That's happiness. Joy is anchored in Christ. Joy is stable. It is not tossed back and forth. Joy is the lighthouse at the end of the bay there when the waves are just crashing up against it, but that joker's not moving. It's stable. It's anchored. That's joy. [00:27:07] (47 seconds) #JoyAnchoredInChrist

Joy does not erase pain, it sustains us through it. Being a believer in Jesus does not mean that we get to avoid all the painful situations, does it? No, it doesn't. In fact, if anything, I would say this: it actually accentuates some of those painful situations. But rather what it does mean is we will be sustained through the painful situations because of the presence of God. [00:31:51] (31 seconds) #JoySustainsThroughPain

Joy is often hidden under a life of hardship and trial. But when it's open, it's so sweet, so refreshing. Both joy and pineapples require the right environment. Pineapples thrive in sunlight, good soil, and warmth. Oddly enough, so do I. Joy thrives in the presence of God when our souls are rooted in him and his soil. [00:35:07] (34 seconds) #JoyThrivesInGodsSoil

Joy testifies to the fact that Christ is inside of us. It is what sets us apart from the others. When people see the silhouette of a believer, they should be able to see the difference because of our joy. Joy is very much like a pineapple. It's slow to grow. It's tough through trials. It's sweet, and it's crowned with hope. [00:37:00] (28 seconds) #JoySetsBelieversApart

Joy is experiencing God's presence now while longing for a fullness that we'll only truly know in heaven. It's experiencing God's presence now while longing for a fullness that we'll only know in heaven. [00:37:44] (19 seconds) #JoyNowAndForever

Stop seeking happiness. I can't tell you how many people I've talked to and I'm just like, what's your dream? What's your goal? I just wanna be happy. I just wanna be happy. I'm just like, no, it's not what you want. It's what you think you want. Stop seeking happiness. Seek holiness. If you seek holiness, I promise you, you will experience times of happiness. If you seek happiness, you will miss out on probably both. Joy or happiness and holiness. [00:39:49] (32 seconds) #SeekHolinessNotHappiness

Your joy, your joy is, I would say, the most compelling testimony you have in your life. Because someone can deny the very Jesus that you have based your life on. They can say, I don't believe in him. I don't believe in his word. None of that's true for me. I'm denying what you claim to believe in. Okay, listen, they cannot deny your joy. It's yours. You own it. It's your story. Even if they tried to deny it, you'd be like, okay, well, sorry for you. That's me. They can deny the God you claim to believe in, but they cannot deny the joy you have. [00:43:07] (44 seconds) #JoyIsYourTestimony

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