Advent Week 3: Learning What Joy Really Is

Author: Pastor Sadie Johnson
December 18, 2025

Hello Everyone, 

As I’ve reflected on the message I shared with our church on Sunday—Joy That Lasts—I’ve realized that it’s a word God is still actively working into my own life.

Joy was the word the Lord gave me for this year. At first, I was excited. Joy sounded light and easy. But almost immediately, the Lord followed it with a phrase that stopped me: “Joy in the midst of affliction.”
God wasn’t promising a shallow joy tied to good circumstances. He was inviting me into something deeper—something steadier.

Redefining Joy

We often confuse joy with happiness, assuming it shows up when life goes well. But Scripture tells a different story. Biblical joy doesn’t rise and fall with emotions or circumstances. And honestly, that’s freeing.
I’ve been reminded that joy has far more to do with who God is and what He has done than with who we are or what we do.
That truth takes the pressure off.

Remembering Our Salvation

One of the most powerful things we can do is remember what we’ve been saved from. Scripture is clear about the state of humanity apart from God—lost, separated, and unable to rescue ourselves.
Yet from the moment sin entered the world, God made a promise. A Savior was coming. And that promise was fulfilled in Jesus.

Joy, at its core, is not an emotion—it’s a Person.

When I look back at my own life and remember where Jesus found me, my heart can’t help but rejoice. Not because life is perfect now, but because He stepped into my darkness and brought me into the light.

Joy as a Fruit

Another truth I’m still learning is that joy is not something we force ourselves to feel. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
It grows in us as we abide in Christ, just like love, patience, and kindness. There are days I don’t feel joyful—but joy isn’t measured by how I feel. It’s revealed by where my heart is anchored.

Gratitude plays a huge role here. When we focus on comparison, complaint, or what’s lacking, joy fades. But when we remember who God is and what He’s done, joy is restored.

Joy in the Middle

Joy doesn’t erase suffering—it walks with us through it.

Sometimes joy looks like trusting God while still hurting. Sometimes it looks like worship through tears or hope without answers. Joy says, “This hurts—but God is here, God is good, and He’s not finished.”

That kind of joy is anchored in hope and looks forward to what’s coming, when all things will be made new.

Where Is My Heart Set?

As I continue reflecting, I keep coming back to this question: 
Who have I set my heart on?

Scripture tells us that when we set the Lord before us, our hearts can rejoice—even in uncertainty. That’s the joy I’m learning to live in. Not joy rooted in circumstances, but joy rooted in Him.
Because truly, in His presence, there is fullness of joy.
May that joy be yours this Advent season!

Love, Pastor Sadie

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