The Oil of Joy

By Paula Williamson guest writer

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could simply put on the oil of joy like perfume? Unfortunately, joy does not work that way. For reasons beyond our understanding, God did not design joy to be applied so easily.

In fact, the Bible tells us that Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. He ran the race, overcame every obstacle, and despised the shame—yet His eyes were fixed on something greater. The prize was bringing as many of us as possible with Him.

We were—and still are—that joy.

It Is Written

HEBREWS 12: 1-2 Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking only at Jesus, the ^]originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Eyes on Him

There is a place where joy can always be found: by looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Peter experienced this joy when he stepped out of the boat and walked on water. That was a bold decision! But the moment he shifted his gaze from Jesus to the waves around him, his faith dissolved into fear and he began to sink.

It was only when he turned his focus back to Jesus that he was saved.

Takeaway

I will experience joy again by keeping my eyes on Jesus.