Chasing a Joy that Makes a Weary World Rejoice
by Chelsy DeBoer
“A Thrill of Hope, the Weary World Rejoices…” I’ve always loved that particular lyric from the beloved Christmas song, “O Holy Night.” This year it takes on an even deeper meaning because everything about 2020 resonates with the idea of weariness, doesn’t it? I know for me, the further along the year has progressed, the more things seem to pop up that just add to the burden and weariness that I have been feeling for quite a while now. I don’t think I’m alone in this.
As I contemplated writing this article in context of this year’s weariness, I realized something: this is not a new concept. Romans 8 tells us that ever since Adam and Eve sinned and left the Garden of Eden, not that long into the history of our world, we all groan - in fact, even the earth itself groans for things to be made new and for there to be no more sin and suffering. Nature itself knows that things are not supposed to be this way and we need restoration. We all suffer because the effects of sin are real, both on a micro/heart level and a global scale. We can feel it in our bones. We groan alongside the earth’s groanings. We long for something better and so, we chase. We chase whatever we think will make us happy. We chase what we are told will satisfy our longings. We chase things that seem to give us some sense of control in a crazy, uncontrollable world.
The idea of “Chasing Joy” has been a huge theme for me, not just in 2020, but since I became a mother and had an unexpected battle through postpartum depression. When I became a mother, this normally cheerful, always looking on the bright side girl, suddenly lost my sense of hope and joy. Still, there was a glimmer of hope that surely there had to be a way to get joy back and I desperately longed to find it again. Because of the months of enduring this depression, I realized I needed to do the chasing, to go searching to remember what my hope is and where to find joy.
We all chase something as we search for the answer to our problems and search for what will provide the fulfilling life we desire. What is it for you? For me, that has looked like chasing control through a meticulous planner and reorganizing my pantry – again. It also has looked like chasing happiness through a new hobby, some self-care, or building more marital intimacy. It has been chasing approval through doing my best to be a good mom & wife, help others, or be a good friend. There is nothing wrong with doing any of these things. In fact, I consider all these things to be wonderful and beneficial to my life. At the same time, however, these things never leave me filled for long. They never completely satisfy what I need, and I have been convinced that the only hope and joy that lasts comes straight from God’s Word and His sure promises to those who trust in Him.
We are told in Matthew 6 not to worry about our lives, food, clothing, and other daily needs. Sometimes I read that and think “yeah right – that’s impossible.” Yet, the Bible says it is possible and it tells us how. Jesus tells us that we won’t live in fear and anxiety if we focus our attention on who God is, what He has done for us, and the fact that He values us, He provides for us, and He directs every step of our lives. It is in knowing Him that there is hope and joy. I add hope in with the idea of joy because I have come to realize that joy comes when we remember what our hope really is. What a wonderful time to do that as we are entering into the Christmas season!
I’d like to share with you what my hope is and why I have found my joy increasing even in the midst of this crazy year:
My hope is in the fact that, while I can’t make any kind of change to the plight of sin and suffering, I don’t have to because Jesus already did when He came as a baby (cue the Christmas music), lived a perfect life so I don’t have to, died in my place, rose from the dead, and conquered death, the devil, and sin. My hope is in the fact that once He did all these things, as if that wasn’t enough, He ascended into heaven and the Creator of the Universe, my Savior, is there advocating for and praying for me even right now. In reality, the only reason we are still in this sinful world, dealing with this mess of a life is because more people need to hear about this hope. He hasn’t brought all His people to saving faith yet and so we are here, on purpose, to proclaim in a dark, crazy world that we have the answer! His name is Jesus! The God-Man who chose willingly to come experience the pain and suffering of this life, so we don’t have to live with pain and suffering forever.
All He asks of us in return is our love, to believe in Him, and to live like it so that others can see that we have a hope that is different – a hope that actually gives real, lasting joy - and we get to start with the little people God has entrusted us to raise. Being a mother is a big part of God’s plan to share the gospel, as we learn how to model sacrificial love, apologize for our sins, explain our need for God’s grace, and lead our children to Christ. In fact, God saved me through the faithful love and discipline of my Mother when I was only ten years old, so my own story shows that it really does make a difference what we mothers do and teach to those little souls.
I want to encourage all of you, and myself, as this Christmas season is beginning, that chasing joy is simple. In a year of chaos, fear, and uncertainty, chasing joy is still as simple as this:
Chase Jesus.
Love Jesus.
And if we’re lacking joy, cling to Him and His Word until we remember our hope and our joy, because God wants to give us those things. We may just have to learn a few things, as I have been learning, before we really feel the presence of that joy. Perhaps learning to cling a little harder, knowing that joy only comes from Him, realizing that we can actually have joy without our problems going away, or even learning to relinquish the need for control and trust that God controlling all things is much better than if we were.
Our hope is bigger than any one thing we are going through and even bigger than ALL of them combined. So, whatever this Christmas season does (or does not) end up looking like, maybe it’s a chance to refocus again on what really matters – that little baby who made all the difference in the world… that perfect Lamb of God who came to bear our burdens and give us hope. Let’s all chase Him together, Mamas, and rejoice that a weary world has a reason to hope. Like the shepherds on that day of His birth, let’s fall on our knees in worship of the One who loves us so much more than we realize.
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared, and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”
Updated 12/4/2020
