Great Joy: Finding Strength and Purpose in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Good news of great joy breaking through fear

The angels appeared to terrified shepherds and began by saying, Do not be afraid, then announced the birth of a Savior whose coming created a joy that broke through fear and launched the shepherds into hurried witness and praise, showing that the greatest joy often arrives after fear is met and then spoken into action [28:47]

Luke 2:8-18 (NIV)
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Reflection: Who in your life has kept you silent through fear? This week, name one person you will intentionally 'hurry off' to — call, visit, or invite them to church — and share the good news or your story of Jesus with them.

Day 2: Joy as a fruit grown by the Spirit

Joy is listed among the fruit of the Spirit, meaning that as a person stays connected to and exposed to the Spirit of God, joy grows naturally alongside the other virtues, becoming a sustaining, transcendent strength that also equips believers to be light to others [34:44]

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Reflection: Pick one simple daily practice for the next seven days (for example: 10 minutes of Scripture, a short time of silent waiting on God, or a verse of sung worship) aimed at increasing your exposure to the Spirit; commit to doing it and notice whether a sense of joy begins to grow.

Day 3: Rejoice actively; prayer replaces anxious worry

Rejoicing is not passive feeling but a verb — an action of praising the Lord even amid worry; by turning anxieties into specific prayers and giving thanks, the peace of God comes and guards the heart and mind, with gentleness made evident to all [35:33]

Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Write down one specific worry you are carrying right now and, immediately after, write a one-sentence prayer to God that includes one thing you are thankful for about this situation; pray that prayer now and then pause to notice even a small measure of peace.

Day 4: Joy set before Jesus fuels endurance

Jesus fixed his eyes on the joy set before him and endured the cross; likewise, when believers fix their eyes on the greater purpose and the joy of being in God's will, that vision becomes fuel to persevere through trials rather than succumb to weariness [37:07]

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
2 And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. 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.
3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Reflection: Identify one difficult step God is calling you to take (a risky obedience, a costly choice, or a long season of faithfulness); write the first concrete action you will take this week to move toward it, and pray that God would fix your eyes on the joy ahead.

Day 5: The joy of the Lord strengthens us

When the people repented and realigned with God's word, Nehemiah told them to celebrate and to share with those in need, declaring that the joy of the Lord is their strength; aligning with God's will brings restorative joy that becomes practical strength for life [38:22]

Nehemiah 8:10-11 (NIV)
10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve."

Reflection: Plan one concrete act of joyful generosity this week (for example: prepare a meal and invite someone who is lonely, buy food to share with someone in need, or bring a small care package to a neighbor) and do it as a way of practicing the strength of the Lord's joy.

Sermon Summary

I opened with a bit of fun because joy is easier to spot in the small stuff—pet peeves and punchlines—before we reach for the deeper thing beneath them. Scripture shows that the angel’s announcement in Luke 2 didn’t land as joy at first; it landed as fear. But the good news is meant to move us from fear to a joy big enough for “all the people.” I asked us to consider where we feel joy—connection, beauty, creativity, purpose—because even those good gifts point beyond themselves. They remind us joy is sturdier than happiness and not hostage to our circumstances.

From there, we looked at joy as the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5). Joy grows as we live in step with the Spirit, and it becomes light for others, not just a feeling we hoard. Then we learned to “rejoice”—joy in motion (Philippians 4). Many of us are self-conscious and comparison-driven; both choke expression. Joy expands when our attention turns from ourselves to the Lord and to others, and it often travels with gentleness and peace.

Joy also fuels endurance (Hebrews 12). Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before him.” That future horizon—union with the Father, redemption for us—gave strength for present suffering. Likewise, Nehemiah shows us the “joy of the Lord is your strength.” When Israel aligned with God’s will, God’s joy over them became the very thing holding them up. In Christ, this alignment is no longer achieved by our perfect law-keeping but received by faith in the One who fulfilled the law for us. That’s why the angel’s news truly is “great joy.”

Finally, there’s a transcendent joy—the thrill of being caught up in something bigger than ourselves. Often fear sits right at its doorway. Like stepping off a cliff into deep water, there’s a moment of letting go. As we surrender to God’s will, we find not only joy but the whole fruit-salad of the Spirit: peace, gentleness, patience, and love. If you need that kind of joy, it’s found not in tighter control but in trusting the One who already delights over you.

Key Takeaways

1. Joy grows with the Spirit Joy isn’t a mood we manage; it’s a fruit God grows as we walk with the Spirit. Exposure to God’s presence expands our capacity to enjoy Him and radiate His goodness to others. This kind of joy doesn’t evaporate in hard weather; it ripens there. Ask for more of the Spirit, and expect more joy. [34:44]
2. Rejoice: joy practiced out loud Rejoicing is joy that refuses to stay private. Self-consciousness and comparison mute our worship and our laughter, but turning our gaze to the Lord releases expression. Practice rejoicing: pray with gratitude, sing, testify, bless others. Joy grows whenever we risk being wholehearted. [35:58]
3. Joy fuels endurance in suffering Jesus endured because He held a joy-shaped future in view, and He invites us to do the same. Naming the joy set before us—God’s presence, a redeemed future, others’ good—gives stamina for today’s cross. Hope isn’t denial; it’s a horizon that reinterprets the valley’s shadow. Fix your eyes, then keep running. [37:07]
4. God’s joy becomes our strength When Israel realigned with God, they were told to feast, share, and stop grieving because God’s joy over them would fortify them. In Christ, our alignment is a gift before it’s a grind; we stand in His favor and work from delight, not for it. Strength flows from being rejoiced over by God. [39:54]
5. Step through fear into purpose Transcendent joy often waits on the other side of a trembling yes. Surrender redraws control into trust and opens space for calling, courage, and consolation. Move through fear into obedience, and the fruit of the Spirit meets you there. The wheel turns best when we let God hold it. [42:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[22:47] - Title and opening prayer
[23:27] - Slido: Pet Peeves Icebreaker
[27:21] - Transition and Scripture setup
[27:51] - Luke 2:8-18—Angels and joy
[29:30] - Humor break: Mr. Bus and herbs
[31:16] - Slido: When do you feel joy?
[32:53] - Everyday sources of joy
[34:44] - Joy as Fruit of the Spirit
[35:33] - Rejoicing, gentleness, and peace
[37:07] - Joy that endures the cross
[38:22] - Joy of the Lord as strength
[40:25] - Jesus fulfills the Law—true alignment
[41:41] - Transcendent joy and calling
[42:56] - Move through fear; surrender and prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading (ESV)
Luke 2:8–18
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

Observation questions (3–4)

Read vv. 9–12. What was the shepherds’ immediate reaction when the angel appeared, and how did the angel address that reaction?
What is the “good news of great joy” the angel announces in v. 11–12? How do the sign and setting (a baby in a manger) shape that message?
The preacher noted that the angel’s announcement “first… brought fear” and then became good news. Why might good news land as fear at first in people’s lives? (quote from sermon: “it brought fear” [28:47])
After the angels left, what did the shepherds do (vv. 15–17)? What does their response suggest about how joy and obedience are linked?

Interpretation questions (3–4)

The preacher said, “Rejoice is a verb. It is joy in action.” What does it mean for rejoicing to be active rather than merely an inner feeling? How might that change the way a Christian lives week to week? (quote from sermon: “Rejoice is a verb. It is joy in action.” [35:58])
Hebrews is quoted in the sermon: “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross.” What sorts of things make up that “joy-shaped future” for Jesus (e.g., union with the Father, redemption of people)? How do those elements reinterpret present suffering? (quote from sermon: “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross” [37:07])
The sermon used Nehemiah’s line, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” How should we understand “the joy of the Lord”? Is it God’s delight in his people, the joy he gives, or both? How does experiencing God’s joy change one’s motivation for obedience rather than making obedience feel like another duty? (quote from sermon: “the joy of the Lord is your strength” [38:22])

Application questions (5–7)

Pick one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). What is one small, concrete habit you will practice this week to open yourself to the Spirit in that area (for example: a short prayer before a difficult conversation to invite gentleness)?
The preacher invited us to “practice rejoicing” by praying with gratitude, singing, testifying, or blessing others. Choose one of those practices and plan a specific time this week to do it publicly or with someone else (e.g., share a short grateful testimony with a friend; sing worship out loud for five minutes). (quote from sermon: “Practice rejoicing: pray with gratitude, sing, testify, bless others.” [35:58])
Identify a current “cross” or season of difficulty in your life. What specific elements of a “joy-shaped future” (God’s presence, the good of others, redeemed future) can you name now to help you endure this week? Write them down and share one with the group. (quote from sermon: “Jesus used the joy set before him as fuel” [37:07])
Is there an area where fear is keeping you from stepping into something God might be asking of you (a new commitment, a tough conversation, a vocational risk)? Name the fear and one concrete next step you can take to “let go of the wheel” and trust God this week (phone a mentor, pray a short surrender prayer daily, take one practical step toward the decision). (quote from sermon: “Step through fear into purpose… let go of the wheel and let God have control.” [42:56])
Nehemiah told the people to “go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks… do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” What is one way you could celebrate or share joy with others this month (a meal, inviting someone to church, sending encouragement) that expresses God’s delight and strengthens you for service? (quote from sermon: “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks… do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” [38:22])
The sermon pointed out everyday sources of joy (connection, beauty, creativity, purpose). This week, keep a short “joy log”: note three small moments each day that brought you real joy. At the end of the week, pick one of those moments and ask: how did that moment point beyond itself to God? Share your reflections with the group next time. (quote from sermon: list of everyday sources, e.g., “Connecting with others… Being in nature and beauty… Personal achievements.” [32:53])

Sermon Clips

As a fruit of the Spirit, we can increase our experience of joy with an increased exposure to the Spirit of God. This is also true with all of the other fruits of the Spirit. There is a transcendent power with the fruit of the Spirit that can sustain us through all circumstances. This fruit is the spark that makes us the light of the world and how we can bring light to those around us. And it grows as we grow as Christians. So, as a fruit of the Spirit, our joy can bring joy to others. [00:34:50] (35 seconds) #JoyThroughTheSpirit

Rejoice in the Lord. Again, I say rejoice. Rejoice is a verb. It is joy in action. It is the outward expression of joy. We're not good at rejoicing in our culture. In fact, we're not good at expressing extreme emotions at all in our culture. We're self-conscious. When we focus on ourselves, it robs us of much enjoyment in life. I'm sure you have heard the saying, comparison is the thief of joy. Well, it's true. [00:35:52] (31 seconds) #RejoiceInAction

Joy can also give us strength and endurance. In Hebrews 12, 1 to 3, we read, Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. 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. [00:37:03] (32 seconds) #JoyGivesStrength

``Jesus used the joy set before him as fuel to do the most impossible hard thing, and we can too. We all have difficulties. There will always be difficulties, but joy can be experienced in and through it when we are centered in God's will. [00:37:43] (18 seconds) #JoyAsFuel

The people wept and realigned themselves to God's will and his law. It brought God joy. God's joy over us is our strength. That's why I'm so strong. Can I get an amen? Are you aligned to God's law? Do you bring God joy? Well, the answer to that is yes, and I'll get into that. [00:39:39] (32 seconds) #BringGodJoy

The Israelites aligned themselves to God's law through adherence to the law laid down by Moses. But now, because of what Jesus did, on the cross, we are aligned with God through our faith in Jesus. He fulfills the law and we rejoice. This is the fulfillment of the angel's message. Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. [00:40:11] (28 seconds) #GoodNewsGreatJoy

Paul said that the law brings death because its existence shows us how far we have fallen short of God's standard. We can't do it. On our own, we are unable to live up to the law. Only by the grace of God through what Jesus did, we are empowered to live a life that is worthy. [00:41:06] (20 seconds) #EmpoweredByGrace

Now, the Bible has many verses about joy and I found it difficult to bring this all to a satisfying conclusion. However, there is a joy that I have not addressed yet. It's the joy that is the most pure and the hardest to extinguish. It's the joy of being a part of something bigger than oneself, a transcendent joy. It is the knowledge of being in the center of God's will, the joy of having a value and a purpose, the joy of being caught up into a grand event. [00:41:27] (31 seconds) #JoyOfPurpose

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