In my growing-up years, I dreamed of playing professional baseball. But after my first year of competing at a college level, I came to a solemn realization that my prospects were not that great. There are certain “tools” you need in order to play at the next level. Hitting, throwing, running, and fielding must be at a high level. I took note of my speed, batting average, and arm strength and realized “below average” does not equal “advanced level.” But I must tell you, and I’m not bragging, my prospect as a Christian is secure.

The prospects of believers are dependent on God’s grace, not personal tools. I’ll admit my personal spiritual tools are below average, but my hope is in One who has done for me what I could never do for myself. He will provide me with all I need to do what he has called me to do. With Christ, there is an inner joy that cannot be dampened by life’s storms, cannot be stolen by life’s thieves, and cannot rust, spoil, or fade.

Proverbs 10:28
The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.

People can place their trust in a lot of things and allow their hopes to soar. But when hopes are attached to the wrong things, our highest hope comes to nothing. Not so with God-given joy. Based on the finished work of Christ, he will carry us into eternity. When the joy of Jesus is in us, our joy is full! (John 15:11).

Father, we seek joy from many things. Help us to make sure that we seek the right things. May we find the fullness of joy in Jesus alone. In his name, we pray. Amen.