For the Joy Set Before Him

Week 5 - Day 30

"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of G*d" (Hebrews 12:2).

One of the ways to possess and keep joy is to be able to "see through" the challenges of life and focus on the joy that is set before us. There are two specific joys that we can fix our gaze upon that will propel greater joy now.

First, we can focus on the joy of our heavenly reward. We are saved by faith (not our goodness); but we can "lay up treasure in heaven" (Matthew 6:20) that will have benefits now and for eternity. Some Christians are too earthly minded to be any heavenly good. (I hope my corny humor caused a chuckle or two.) Listen , our journey here on earth is but a moment in our eternal life as Christians. What we believe and do in Jesus' name will lay a good foundation for this life and the life to come. This realization can bring a joyous perspective to our time here on earth.

Secondly, we understand that vision for the future brings strength and joy for the present. Consider an athlete who has an ambition to achieve a great goal. This dream (future joy) causes an increase in enthusiasm to overcome challenges and in establishing consistency in daily "life-launching" habits. Where there is no vision for the future, there can be little power or joy for the present.

Jesus endured the ultimate negative circumstance (the cross) by focusing on the joy that was set before Him. He has set an example for us. He is the author and the finisher of our faith. He will help us walk in joy-filled faith by causing us to keep our eyes on the greater joy ahead.

(Inter-Leslie: I wanted to add here that yes the L-rd through the Holy Spirit will help us walk in joy-filled faith, however we must ask for it on a daily basis. We are given according to our faith and the Holy Spirit will pour out as much as we contend for it. So if we want our eyes to continue to stay focused on the greater joy ahead (higher vision) we must ask for it. In your personal prayer time for your own inner man you have to contend. James 4 says "you have not because you do not ask for it." Jesus says in Matthew that if you "ask you will receive, if you seek you will find, and if you knock the door will be opened for you." It's a heart connect that G*d wants with us and He will purposely hold these things for you until you ask for them. ASK for the fullness of joy and fullness of His perfect will, His ways, and His purposes for your life today and everyday. When you read the declaration do you just read it or do you DECLARE it over yourself with a loud voice? The same in your prayer time don't just think it say it! It doesn't matter how fancy or anointed or how well you say it just simply say it and it will be done for you in Jesus name. When you read the declarations READ them OUT LOUD and speak that joy-life into your spirit and daily life.)

Declaration: I am empowered to face my present with faith because I have a great joy set before me. This future joy causes me to persevere through tough times with joy now. I am a person with great vision for this life. i also rejoice as I consider heaven and it's reward.