Before the cross, Jesus told the disciples, “When I see you again, you’ll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you.” We live on the resurrection side of the cross, but it seems like so many have no joy. What has happened? No one can take it from us, so we will need to examine ourselves.

I once quoted Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of my salvation.” There was a kind gentleman in church who corrected me. It is not “my salvation,” but “Thy salvation.” When it is my salvation, I can loose everything. What God gives cannot be plucked away by anyone, or any circumstance.

Joy that is dependent on “zip-a-dee-doo-dah days” is certain to fail. The joy that the Lord gives is eternally secured in the resurrection of Christ. Even in the most difficult times there is an inward joy that is truly unspeakable and gloriously abundant.

Perhaps it is not that we have lost our joy, but have piled a lot of stuff on it. Then it is “out of sight,” and soon “out of mind.”

Joy is the fruit of a relationship with Jesus. It is also our testimony. I’m convinced that a joyful countenance was one of the things that made Jesus, and the life he offered, so attractive to many. Crowds of common people, and even children, loved to be with Jesus. He was accused of, and guilty of, being a friend to sinners.

Religion can condemn us, and make us feel lost and unworthy, but not so with Jesus. He puts the Joy back into our heart, and reminds us that we are made in the image of God. He wipes the tears of shame away, and restores a joy we thought was gone forever. Have you given him a chance to do the same for you?