Hebrews 12:2, New Living Translation

“…Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

When you really take God’s word and apply it to the deepest inner part of yourself, God does something beautiful! His words bring so much enlightenment, healing, strength, and joy! 

When I think of the joy and love Christ has for me, my heart begins to swell, and I too share in this joy! You see, scripture tells us, “…Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2, NLT). What joy was set before Him? He knew that His death on the cross was the redemption for you and me! God’s love for us came to full expression through what was accomplished on the cross. This is not just for me, but for you too! The one who is reading these very words! You were the joy that Christ saw before Him. He gladly took on our sin and shame to the cross! He died so we could find life, and that life is in Jesus Christ, our Savior! He is the hope and glory that brings us joy! 

Christ suffered many things got this joy set before Him (you and I). Peter tells us, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” (1 Peter 1:6, NLT) Just as Christ endured many trials for us because He believed in us, so we must go through many trials for Him because we believe in Him. Peter goes on to tell us, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Peter 1:7, NLT). Though our faith goes through many trials, our joy is in our Savior, Jesus Christ! When He returns, He will take us home with Him to resign forever. 

I hope that you are able to see this love/love relationship! I hope and pray it makes your heart swell with His love and joy! I hope this love/love relationship will continue to build you up in the most holy faith! I hope this love/love relationship strengthens your inner spirit to keep walking in the Spirit! 

Paul tells us in Romans 8:38-39, (NLT), “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above out in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” So, remember, when you begin to feel down and kicked around, nothing separates you from the love of God! Do not hang your head in defeat but look up! For that is where your redemption comes from! That is where your help comes from! I pray that with each passing moment, the Holy Spirit will continue to reveal more and more of Jesus love for you and fill you with His joy!