The Relationship Between Faith & Joy

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For most Christians, the word “faith” brings up ideas of repentance, perseverance, struggling during hard times, taking up our cross, resisting temptation or maybe even going to church. Far fewer see the important and fundamental connection of the word “faith” to the word “joy,” and today I want to share that connection with you so that it edifies and strengthens your understanding of the gospel.

In Hebrews 12:1-2, it says the following:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

This important series of verses gives us a glimpse into the mind of God — namely, how He endured such horrible things and preserved His perfect focus on the goal. Despite the abuse and betrayal, Jesus was driven by immense joy in what He did and in what He ultimately endured. The bible tells us that the cross was scheduled before creation was ever made, (Revelation 13:8, Acts 4:26-28) and this adds an even more profound dimension of joy to what we see revealed in Hebrews.