“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth…”
Luke 10:21 KJV
Can you imagine what it looked like when Jesus rejoiced? I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a quiet and reserved “hallelujah”. If He was anointed with the oil of gladness more than anyone else then I am sure He rejoiced more than the most enthusiastic sports fanatic watching his team about to score. If we’re honest, the picture most of us have of Jesus isn’t correct.
“Then the Holy Spirit made Jesus feel very happy. Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. I am thankful…”
Luke 10:21 ERV
The Holy Spirit made Jesus “very happy” and if you allow Him to, He’ll make you “very happy” too. You can’t very happy without praising God and being thankful. If someone isn’t praising God or giving Him thanks, they’re probably not very happy. Being thankful and full of praise is a choice – you’re choosing to focus on something to praise God for, and be thankful for. It all comes down to focus.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”
John 16:33 (AMP)
Jesus said that we will have trouble in this world – there will be difficult and unpleasant circumstances. We live in a fallen world and there is an enemy who would love to make us miserable. But true joy isn’t found in the absence of problems. Circumstances, challenges and problems only have the power to depress you if you allow it. There will always be good valid reasons to be sad, depressed, worried, anxious and fearful, but all of that is rooted in circumstances which are temporary and subject to change. Jesus said that we will have things happen in this world which can make us sad, but we can be (and should be) courageous and full of joy because He has overcome the world! He’s encouraging us not to focus on the depressing things but to focus on His victory which is eternal, and allow that to fill us with joy!
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV
We can’t (and shouldn’t) ignore the things going on in the world and in our lives. If you have a snake in your house it’s wise to catch it and get it out of your house. If you have a problem (or a mountain) you should deal with (speak to it) (Mark 11:22-24). The problem is that most of us focus on the problem, talk about the problem to everyone, think about it, pray about it, talk to more people about it… and we wonder why we are so sad and miserable. You have the power to choose how much joy you experience, and it starts with choosing what you focus on. If you choose to focus on the Lord, His victory and promises which are eternal, you will experience joy and peace. If you don’t, you won’t.