The Joy Set Before Us

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of 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.. -Hebrews 12:1-2

In her book, "Dancing with my Father", Sally Clarkson recounts her dear friend's battle with ovarian cancer. In spite of her pain and discomfort, she covertly invited her five good friends to bring food for a houseful of women for the sole purpose of sharing the Gospel with those in attendance. Sally writes, "Marcy had grasped the reality of heaven so clearly that she conquered her illness even though it ravaged her body. She understood that she had one chance to live in such a way that she would make the reality of God, His love, beauty, and redemption so real to others that they would want to know Him and be with Him too. She suffered a lot, and she endured excruciating pain. But she was never surprised at it, she had accepted suffering as a part of life. . . Rather than letting it dictate how she would live, she focused on eternity." (pp. 152-153)

Unfortunately, due to sin entering the world, suffering is now a part of it. We can moan about our difficulties and say "Why me?". Or we can choose to find joy in the midst of our troubles. As Sally points out, we see in Hebrews 12:1-2 that life is a race and joy is not based on what is happening to us here and now, but is part of what lies ahead for us. If we are to run our race well, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and follow the example He set for us. Jesus was able to endure His suffering because He knew the rewards that were to come. Jesus promised He was going to make a place for us where there would be no more tears. 

"And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain." -Revelation 21:4

Choosing to focus on joy doesn't mean we don't acknowledge or feel the discomfort of our circumstances. It doesn't mean we like the pain. It doesn't mean at times we don't feel great sorrow over it. "But it is our ultimate focus on the hope that is beyond that will pull us out of the cloud of our dark emotions into the light of his promises of future joy. This requires us to exercise our will and discipline our minds. We must place our thoughts on Scripture and stand in its truth." (p. 156)

Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. -Psalm 126:5

Sally writes about how growth in our spiritual lives is a process. As we go through trials, we grow in understanding and wisdom. When my husband was first diagnosed with cancer, he said God must have thought we were finally ready to handle the adversity set before us, because up to that point we had not endured very many difficulties. He shared that it was years of building a relationship with Christ that was helping him accept and deal with his cancer and treatment. He trusted the Lord to provide for his needs and sustain him through the rough times. But he also believed that if God chose not to heal him here on earth; he would be with Jesus in heaven. 

A woman Sally was ministering to in Eastern Europe shared that "when you really need there to be a heaven and when you believe in it with all your heart, you have great reason to rejoice because you know this life is so short." (p. 159) I so dislike the saying that goes around about how "life is too short to be anything but happy." This life and everything in it is temporary, including suffering. True joy comes from living a life of preparation for eternity. As we grow in our walk with the Lord, we will let go of our dependence on the things that will never truly satisfy us. Sally writes, "As I have made time to search after joy, I have been able to remember all of the joyful paths he has already led me down, and again I am learning to savor each moment as one in which I can learn, grow, and love him more." (pp. 160-161)

Counting my blessings is one way I can keep my focus on Christ, continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge, and rise above the difficulties of my circumstances. 

-Quotes taken from "Dancing with my Father" by Sally Clarkson
601. Hubby being able to install new garbage disposal

602. Friends who are willing to help

603. Fun New Year’s Eve evening with my folks

604. Safety in getting to and from Mom and Dad’s house

605. Productive day

606. Parallel playdates for the kids

607. My hubby who is willing to help out with kids and errands

608. House cleaned and organized

609. Last minute change in plans allowed for date night

610. My parents who are willing to take the kids - even at the last minute

611. Delicious dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory

612. Playdate for kids

613. Dinner date

614. Movie date

615. Relaxed day

616. Carpets cleaned

617. In ‘n Out

618. Visiting with my sister-in-law, Dyan

619. Rest

620. The gift of continuing with Friday school

621. Relaxed day at home

622. Church/Family Time

623. Great school day for my girl

624. Feeling like myself again physically


625. Grace moment with my girl

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