Remembering His Joy

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”- Hebrews 12:2

I cannot count the number of times I have heard and applied to the saying, "no matter how bad life is, someone else always has it worse". I have many times considered this when I have found myself sitting in a pool of self-pity or condemnation. No matter how hard situations may seem in my life, I have never been unable to find someone who was facing something much worse than I. Although I do not relish their suffering I do recognize the blessings in my own life so that I can be thankful.

This verse reminds me, convicts me, of the fact that Jesus endured the cross, scorned it's shame and he did it all for me, for us. Can anything I deal with ever compare to that selfless, sacrificial act of love? I doubt it. Even though he knew what was coming, he saw joy set before him in making a pathway to the Father for us. An opportunity to reconcile humankind allowing us to have a personal relationship, much like he had, with God.

Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, by laying down his perfect life was raised from the depth of death's pit to sit at the right had of God. We cannot compare any suffering we experience, any sacrifice we make to what he did for us. But, we can honor him by focusing on him and his love for us instead of our problem. In doing so, we most certainly have to recognize the power of his love, his grace and his mercy. That power is living and active in us. It is the source of our hope for a better tomorrow and a promised eternity. It is the reason for our joy in spite of our struggles, our joy in the face of adversity. Focus on Jesus, he certainly provides a much more encouraging vision to behold than the darkness offered by our current problem and he lasts longer. The situation we are facing will end, but He is everlasting.

God thank you for reminding me not only of your sacrifice but the joy you felt as you made it. The joy you allow me to see everyday as I remember you died, for me! Help me keep my focus on you, because unlike my circumstances, good or bad, you are everlasting.

Let's remember whose we are today. We are His joy for whom He made the greatest sacrifice of all time. As we enter this coming week let's focus on not only that He died, but what He did leading up to it, to prepare for it and why he chose us over himself. Let us remember His joy!