Resolute Joy
Jesus started His ministry with this first sentence: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel (Mark 1:15 ESV).” The Greek word for Gospel is Euangelion. The root, angelos, means news. Not just any news, but big news, a proclamation, like a new king has been crowned, a new president has been elected, or a new covenant has been established with the Creator of the universe. It means the kind of news that is life-changing. The prefix, eu, means good, well, or pleasant. What Jesus was saying was, “Believe this big news that brings joy.”
The truths we embrace, wherever they come from, form the framework in our minds that governs what we think, how we feel, and what we do. We call this framework our disposition, character, or heart posture. We are, of course, in control of what we believe and therefore own the disposition we have constructed for ourselves. Your character is uniquely yours, built on the foundation of the truths you have chosen to believe.
A heart full of enduring joy is the disposition of those who have chosen God’s Word as the source of their truth. A life of seeking this truth and living in obedience to it is the pursuit of a friendship and a “fearship” with God. The outcome is a life of glorious, increasing, and enduring joy.
Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 ESV, emphasis added)
The sunrise of a resolute joy in one’s character begins with the decision to repent of sin and take that first step to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. After choosing to believe the “big news that brings joy,” your joy deepens as you embrace more of the truth about creation. There is quite a bit of truth to learn, understand, and engage with. God’s word, combined with the experiences and relationships He provides in your life, plus the whispers of the Holy Spirit, is the source from which to draw truth. Those on this journey know that learning truths is a joy unto itself.
Jesus said, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:10-11 ESV, emphasis added)
(This blog article is an excerpt from David’s book Resolute Joy)
