Words of Grace – Joy Comes from the Grace of God – May 1, 2026

I’ve heard it and I’ve said it more times than I can count… “I wish I had joy in my life.”  That desire for joy is a good thing that goes bad when it is pursued in the wrong way and in weak things.

Problems abound when seeking joy. But by the grace of God, joy can be ours in fullness and forever.

One problem in the pursuit of joy is not making the distinction between lasting joy and temporary pleasure or relief. To be clear, there are legitimate pleasures in life that we get from the things God has given. We receive these with gratitude. But they are temporary because life itself is. And getting relief from suffering, hardship, and pain is a good thing when doing so doesn’t bring more harm to us or others. But again, the relief is for a temporary problem, and it can be short-lived.

But true joy that comes from God in Christ, lasts forever. It begins at the point of conversion to Christ and grows to fullness when we will be with him in the life to come. This is the greatest grace God gives to his children.

Another problem in the pursuit of joy is making joy the ultimate pursuit. When joy is our ultimate pursuit, it is easy to skip the cultivation of fellowship with Christ and opt for joy in the false promises of people, things, and experiences.

God gave us his Son, Jesus. When Jesus is received by faith, his joy comes with him into our lives. So, pursue Christ in deep fellowship with him and complete submission to him.

A final problem in the pursuit of joy is failing to see that true joy is first received by faith rather than attained by pursuit. This is where the grace of God shines bright. Joy is in the settled state of being at peace with God, and in the enjoyment of him and all he has for us in Jesus Christ. When Christ is received, salvation is assured. Now, by grace, with the joy of the Lord, we press on to know Christ which compounds our joy in him. Joy is first received by faith in Christ, then it is pursued in Christ by faith.

This Sunday at Grace Community Church we will hear about the joy of the first disciples of Jesus Christ in Antioch of Pisidia from Acts 13. Their joy in the grace of God will serve to help us find our joy in him as well.

Let’s pray for each other this weekend. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

-Scott