The Joy of Jesus

“...looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.” - Hebrews 12:2

Christ return and reunification with His bride is not just something for us to look forward to. It’s something He is looking forward to! We, the Church, the Bride of Christ, are that joy that Jesus was looking to as he hung on the cross. While the Bride of Christ is the Church as a whole, it’s also each of the individual members. That means you.
 
As Christ hung on the cross, one thing got him through all of the pain, humiliation, and suffering. That’s the joy of knowing that He would be reunited to you.
 
Take a moment to pause, let that truth sink in, and praise God that Jesus loves you THAT much!

“Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” - Ephesians 5:25

I don’t know about you, but that sounds wild to me! The thought of having a relationship with me brings Jesus joy. Did you realize that? YOU bring JOY to Jesus.
 
So we, too, can press on through the hard days, the struggles, the sickness, the pain, the heartache, or whatever we face. We press on not only for the joy that we will experience when Christ returns, but also for the joy we know HE will experience on that day.
 
There are some things that become easier when we do them for someone else. You may lose motivation if you become complacent with where you’re at, but when it affects someone you love, you get a renewed passion. Let’s be that way with Jesus.
 
You may be in the middle of a difficult season and you’re almost ready to give up. You can be okay with not feeling joy for yourself. But think of bringing joy to Jesus and let that motivate you to keep going. To keep seeking Him. Picture the big smile on His face when you’re finally reunited to Him in eternity. Let that push you forward and don’t lose momentum!