Choose JoySample

DAY 4 – JOY CHOOSING US

Reflection: Let's continue exploring joy in the lives of the first disciples, immediately after the death and resurrection of Jesus.

In our reading today, we see the disciples all talk at once about Jesus’ appearances, and then he’s there with them. They’re frightened and think he’s a ghost (vs 37). He shows them his hands and his feet, so they can see the marks of crucifixion, but also his flesh and blood.

This is a lot to take in and we read that in the moment, they still did not believe Jesus is alive. These Scriptures were originally written in Greek, and the phrase ‘still did not believe’ is apistountōn, which also means ‘refuse to be persuaded’.

Like the disciples, we can see a new life in Jesus before us, but it’s hard to let go of our fears, worries and doubts. We might also be refusing to be persuaded.

But notice that even as they struggle to believe, joy and amazement have surfaced. While their minds are not ready, their hearts have begun embracing the good news. Sometimes it’s not us choosing joy, but joy choosing us – go with it!

Choose joy: If you are struggling to believe, let joy lead you to Jesus. A great place for this is a Sunday church service. Go with an open heart, and let God speak to you through the atmosphere of joy.