Three Important Truths about Joy (Part Three)

Today we complete our series on joy with the third important truth about joy.

3. We Find Joy by Investing in Others

Years ago, I was bathing my toddler when a call came in. The woman on the other line excitedly said, “Lisa, I had to call you and tell you… I get it now.” I immediately knew what she meant.

Months before, I sat beside her at a baby shower and our conversation turned to faith. I explained the reason for the hope I have and shared the Gospel with her as we enjoyed our lunch. She didn’t pray to invite Jesus into her heart at that time but she seemed to absorb what I was saying. It one of the first times I ever shared my faith with anyone and I was nervous about it.

But when she called me and said, “I get it now” I knew the seed I planted took root and the joy I felt was overwhelming.

As I continued in my faith journey, it became easier to speak to others about Christ because I realized that is where a treasure chest full of joy is found. I live for those divine appointments to share about Jesus because when they “get it” I know there is rejoicing in heaven and the flood of joy spills over onto me.

The disciples set the example for this as they constantly witnessed about what they’d seen and heard. In his letter to the churches of Asia Minor, John said he writes about Jesus because he wants people to believe and have fellowship with other believers. He goes on to say that this is what makes his joy “complete.”

To the Thessalonians Paul said, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”

Paul didn’t find joy in material things, a hot meal or worldly accolades.

He found joy when he invested in others for the Kingdom.

Who can you invest in?

Who needs to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ?

Who in your world is starving for a Christian mentor?

On Thursday night a powerful speaker, Tracey Mitchell, encouraged the audience to invest in the future generation. She said, “We must cultivate the next generation with our words. We should be handing over the keys to the kingdom; we must train them to hear what we’ve been seeing.”

What have you seen and heard? How has God’s hand in your life changed you?

When whoever we share with “gets it” we are infused with God’s joy.

Did you realize it was for joy that Jesus went to the cross?

In Hebrews 11:2 it says, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

What joy was set before him?

All of us.

We are his joy.

He did it for us so we’d have hope when this life turns upside down.

So that we’d have access to God through him.

So that we would one day have eternal fellowship and joy with him in Heaven.

Jesus found his joy in others. Can you imagine the joy he feels when scores of people in the world “get it?”

When wanderers here in the United States become grounded in faith.

When thousands in Pakistan follow Jesus.

When a church in India is standing room only.

Now that is joyful.

If you’ve lost your joy, find someone who needs the love of Christ in their life and be the vessel of love for God to use.

Spend time with them.

Answer their questions.

Boldly share about what you’ve seen and heard.

And when they “get it” be ready for a downpour of joy like you’ve never seen before.