The Christian life is often misrepresented as one of solemn servitude. Too often we do behave like sad sacks, whose favorite verse is, “Woe is me.” That is not what Jesus offers.
Yes, there is sacrifice, but it is giving up momentary pleasure for eternal delight. Satan wants you to think you are losing something. What you can avoid with a holy life is a hangover, addiction, sexually transmitted disease, unwanted pregnancy, prison, death, and hell—a place of eternal suffering and sorrow.
There is service in the Christian life, but it is not drudgery—it is delight! Peter expressed this as, “joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).
When we abide in Christ, His joy abides in us! Even in the face of the deepest sorrow and deadly suffering on the cross, Jesus maintained His joy. “Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Heb.12:2). Thus, Christ’s joy is seen to be independent of circumstances—more than an emotion. Don’t get me wrong—feelings matter, but they are fickle things. Jesus offers abiding joy by abiding in Him.
We abide in Him in the Word and in prayer. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7). The old hymn says it well:
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing. (Austin Miles)
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