Lighthouse Keeper

I once heard a pastor say that your view of who Jesus is will determine your whole Christian walk. Your speech, your heart position, your worship, your serving, how you interact with others–all rest on who Jesus is to you. 

If you have an angry, disappointed father’s view of Jesus, you will always be trying to do more to please Him and earn his love. If you have a Sugar Daddy or “he’s my boyfriend” view of Jesus it’s easy to lack discipline and correction. If you are scared of Jesus, you will have a fire and brimstone punishing God. You get the idea. 

Sometimes I have to stop and correct myself when my own private thoughts condemn me and the joyful Jesus goes out the window. 

The Bible is very clear that Jesus is full of joy. 

You are passionate for righteousness, and you hate lawlessness. This is why God, your God, crowns you with bliss above your fellow kings. He has anointed you, more than any other, with his oil of fervent joy, the very fragrance of heaven’s gladness. Psalm 45:7 TPT

As you abide and commune and stay focused on Him, this joy and gladness will run into you and overflow to others around you. As Christians, we should be characterised by our joy and gladness. I know the cynical would call this toxic positivity, happy clappy Christianity–but it’s all there in the Bible “fervent joy-heaven’s gladness” 

My purpose for telling you these things is so that the joy that I experience will fill your hearts with overflowing gladness! John 15:11-13 TPT

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2

If you are a joyless Christian, you’ve got to wonder if your view of Jesus is a bit off. Ask yourself:

“Do I have fun with Jesus and enjoy his company?”

“Is church attendance enjoyed or endured?”

“Does my Jesus condemn me, or encourage and celebrate me in sanctification?”

“When Jesus corrects me–does He do it in a loving positive way or with shame?”

Often it’s our own negative self talk that muddies the waters and distorts the love and joy of Jesus. Let Him encourage and fill you with his joy today as you find out who He really is in the Word of God.