What joy can be found when U.S. troops are dying on foreign soil, when lives are lost in a sudden plane crash, or when natural disasters devastate entire communities? Events like these leave people in fear, anxiety, and even hopelessness. Now more than ever, people are wondering what joy can be found in this world.
As Americans pause to honor Easter Sunday, we are reminded that Easter isn’t a holiday that’s celebrated once a year. Instead, it’s a daily reminder that true joy can be experienced, not because of anything that this world has to offer, but because of what Jesus endured on the cross over 2,000 years ago.
Christians have access to a joy that’s indescribable. It surpasses human understanding and makes people turn their heads, wondering, “How can you be so positive in light of everything that’s happening?” The secret is not something Christians produce on their own. Rather, it comes from tapping into resources God provides.
One of the most unique things about the Christian faith is that God doesn’t shy away from questions or curiosity. He welcomes it. God wants people to be honest with him—to bring the hard, difficult questions—so that he can have those conversations and know individuals on a deeper level.
Those difficult questions have a point of origin. And more than likely, it points back to the broken world we live in. Underneath the global tensions, political divisions, violence and conflict is a society that’s marked by sin. We’ve all missed the mark and fallen short of God’s standard. Because of this, humanity experiences pain, suffering, and heartbreak. But that’s not the end of the story.
Before journeying to the cross, Jesus reminds his disciples that he will leave for a time, but he will return. The grief that the disciples felt would soon turn to joy. Here, Jesus acknowledges that yes, pain and grief are real parts of the human experience, but pain serves a greater purpose.
This is what’s called the redemptive view of suffering, and it’s mirrored in the message of Easter. Jesus himself suffered on the cross, and yet his pain served an even greater purpose—to bring eternal life to those who believe in him. Christ experienced the greatest pain and suffering on behalf of humanity. And it was this pain that led to life abundant. The joy for Christians on this side of heaven comes from accepting the condition of this broken world and rejoicing in how God will use our pain for good.
In the broken world we live in, some evils are more obvious than others, but one of the darkest realities humanity faces is the lies we choose to believe. Culture will tell you that you are enough on your own. You can create your own happiness and protect your peace. But the truth is you can’t. Happiness will fade because it’s an emotion. The only thing that will last is joy.
True joy can only be found in this: knowing that it was never yours to begin with. Joy is a gift given to Christians from God Himself. It’s a gift of grace. The beauty behind a Christian’s joy is that it can’t be taken away. This joy endures and it belongs to the Kingdom of Heaven.
For all who call themselves Christians, heaven is home. It’s the ultimate fulfilment of God’s promises to his people.
Because of this, Christians can have joy because their future is secure. Jesus knew that Resurrection Sunday was coming. He knew that his death would open the doorway to eternal life. When it seems like doors are slamming and opportunities are scarce, believers take heart in God’s Word, which promises that he has a plan and will make a way.
So, what joy is there this Easter? What hope can be found? Simply look to the cross. There you’ll find a Savior who welcomes your questions. A Savior who shows you that there’s purpose in pain. A Savior who reminds you that grace is a gift. And finally, a Savior who tells you, “I’m not done writing your story.”
That’s where joy can be found—not just this Easter, but for every day God has gifted us.
Dr. Richard Kannwischer is the pastor of Peachtree Church in Atlanta and holds degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary. For more information visit https://www.