Impossible Joy

April 19th, 2022
by Emily Turner

Do you feel it? Even more, do you know it?

Impossible Joy.

Maybe you, like me, have known the name of Jesus for most of your life. I can't remember a time when I did not know who Jesus was and praise the Lord for that. Growing up in a strong, Lutheran home, sitting in church pews with my folks, aunts and uncles, grandparents and cousins, the name of God was present. It wasn't until God brought me face to face with my own sins and the consequences of those sins, that I realized how many of my own life choices were made under the power and pressure of fear. Fear, when not in reverence of our God, has the unique way of being twisted by Satan, manifesting and further entrapping us in sinful patters, telling us there is no way out, no savior. Thankfully, we know different. Graciously we have Scripture, which roots us in truth. And the truth is this, as the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1, we are not given a spirt of fear-

... "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (vs. 7-10).

As one desperately in need of a Savior, I am so grateful for the empty tomb. What an impossible joy that builds in me that I could not coordinate or ordain. There is no amount of work that I can do that will place me in better standing. No action I can take to rewind the sins of my life. No power of my own that grants me eternity. There is nothing that I can personally do or say or think or will into existence that can do what Jesus did for me (and you) on the cross. It was love, fully wrapped in the robe of mercy, offered in grace for all who believe.

Living openhanded in light of Salvation causes us to die to ourselves, loosing the grip of what we thought our life should look like and instead trusting with full hope and impossible JOY that God's plan is perfect and all His ways are pure. Where have we heard that before? *wink, wink

Psalm 111:10 boldly says,
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

That's the kind of fear I want to live with. Fear dwelling in self-control. Fear in reverence to our God and King, the one true Savior who sent His son to die on a tree with my life and your's in mind. Fear in what it means to live by a Savior. When my heart settles in fear of Him, let all other fear dissipate. By His death and resurrection, we live. By His love, we have JOY!

What brings you joy? We encouraged everyone, from ages 2-122 to write it on the magnets provided and shout it loud on this sign in the Commons. Filled front and back, look at the JOY!