The Believer’s Pursuit of Joy in God’s Presence
Isaac Megbolube
September 24, 2024
Introduction
As believers, our pursuit of joy is rooted in our relationship with God. We find joy in His presence, and this joy propels us to seek the ultimate joy that awaits us in Heaven. In Hebrews 12:2, we see Jesus as the perfect example of this pursuit, enduring the cross for the joy set before Him.
Jesus’s Pursuit of Joy
Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross was not driven by obligation or duty alone. Rather, it was motivated by the joy of being exalted to God’s right hand, surrounded by a redeemed people. This joy was not self-centered, but rather found in leading many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10). Jesus’s love for us was inseparable from His desire for joy, which ultimately redounds to God’s glory.
The Principle of Christian Hedonism
Christian Hedonism, as articulated by John Piper, posits that love is the way of joy. We choose to love and obey God because it brings us joy, not begrudgingly or out of duty. Jesus’s example affirms this principle, demonstrating that the greatest labor of love is possible when driven by the pursuit of joy.
Implications for Believers
Our pursuit of joy has profound implications:
1. Hope beyond suffering: Like Jesus, we can endure hardship, knowing that joy awaits us beyond our present struggles.
2. *Alignment with God’s will*: We reject fleeting pleasures of sin, choosing to align with God’s will, even in difficult circumstances.
3. *Redemption and glory*: Our joy is intertwined with Jesus’s, finding fulfillment in our redemption, which glorifies God.
4. *Shared joy*: We share joy with Jesus, participating in His triumph and glory.
Conclusion
The believer’s pursuit of joy is not self-centered, but God-centered. Our joy finds its source in God’s presence, propelling us toward the ultimate joy of Heaven. As we follow Jesus’s example, we discover that love and joy are inextricably linked, driving us to choose obedience and alignment with God’s will.
Reflection Questions
1. How does your pursuit of joy align with Jesus’s example?
2. What role does hope play in your endurance of hardship?
3. How do you balance love and joy in your relationship with God?
Scripture Meditation
– Hebrews 12:2
– Hebrews 2:10
– Hebrews 11:25
Recommended Reading
– “Desiring God” by John Piper
– “The Pursuit of Holiness” by Jerry Bridges
– “The Joy of Fearing God” by Jerry Bridgestone
