Unshakeable Joy: Finding Eternal Happiness in Jesus

No one can take away your joy. That's the promise Jesus made to his disciples in John 16:22. He acknowledged that they would experience sorrow in this world, but assured them that their hearts would rejoice when they see him again. And this joy, he said, would be unshakeable, unable to be taken away by anyone or anything.

But how can this be? How can our joy be so secure? The answer lies in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus conquered death and rose again, we who believe in him will also experience resurrection. Our joy comes from being with Jesus, and the fact that he is alive forever means that we too will never die. We will never be cut off from him.

Think about it. For your joy to be unshakeable, two things have to be true. First, the source of your joy must last forever. And second, you must also last forever. If either you or the source of your joy is mortal, your joy will eventually be taken away.

Sadly, many people settle for temporary joys. They live for the moment, seeking pleasure and happiness in things that are fleeting. They say, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die." But food doesn't last forever, and neither do we. It's a tragic way to live.

But if our joy comes from being with Jesus, it is an unbroken line from now to eternity. Nothing can sever that connection. Not life or death, not angels or principalities, not things present or things to come, not powers or height or depth, not anything in all creation can take our joy from us in Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 8:38–39).

So let's hold on to this truth with all our hearts. Let's cling to the promise that our joy in Jesus is steadfast, unshakable, and eternal. Nothing can separate us from his love and the joy that comes from being in his presence.

But how do we experience this joy in the midst of sorrow? How do we hold on to it when the world around us seems to be falling apart? The answer lies in our perspective and our focus.

When we fix our eyes on Jesus and his resurrection, we see beyond the temporary trials and tribulations of this world. We see the hope of eternal life and the joy that awaits us in his presence. We can endure suffering and sorrow because we know that they are only temporary. Our ultimate joy is secure in Jesus.

And as we walk through this life, we can experience glimpses of that joy even now. We can find joy in the beauty of creation, in the love of family and friends, in the blessings and provisions of God. These are all gifts from our heavenly Father, reminders of his goodness and grace.

But true and lasting joy can only be found in Jesus. It is a joy that surpasses all understanding, a joy that is not dependent on our circumstances. It is a joy that comes from knowing that we are loved by God, forgiven of our sins, and destined for eternity with him.

So let us hold on to this joy, even in the midst of sorrow. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let us trust in his promises and cling to his love. And let us remember that no one can take our joy from us, for it is rooted in the eternal and unchanging love of our Savior.

In conclusion, the joy that comes from being with Jesus is unshakeable and eternal. It is a joy that no one can take away. Our joy is secure because Jesus is alive forever, and we will never be separated from him. So let us hold on to this joy, even in the midst of sorrow, and trust in the promises of our faithful Savior. May our hearts rejoice always in the presence of our Lord.