Overjoyed

What has been the happiest moment of your life? When have you been so happy that you cried? Have you been happy to the point of falling on your knees? Can you imagine the pure happiness of Mary Magdalene when she saw Jesus alive on the third day?

We all have experienced days of happiness. Perhaps it was winning a championship. It might have been the day you were married. Your highest point of joy may have been when your child was born. You may have some other achievement or event that comes to mind.

As I look back over my own experiences, though I’ve experienced championships, I was never overwhelmed with happiness by them. Marriage and seeing my son born were at the top of the list, until….I will get to what topped those.

If you are a person who is seeking the filling of a void, might I suggest filling it with Jesus. Would you listen to a bit of advice from someone who has been around the block a few times? Chasing the world’s dreams and expectations end in an empty reward. Only a close relationship with Jesus can truly fill the void. Only He can complete you with that final piece. Otherwise, you live your life like a puzzle with a missing piece in the middle. The picture isn’t complete.

So, what was the moment that I experienced the most joy? When I was baptized. I was thirty-six years old. I had been raised in the church as a child. I had wondered out on my own and chased what I thought the world wanted of me. Though I had achieved more than most, I wasn’t truly satisfied. When I was baptized, it was like a heavy weight was lifted from my shoulders. I had a joy that could not be explained.

Now, don’t misunderstand. There were trials to come, heartache to experience, and a lot to learn as I walked with God. What I found is He is true to His Word. He has carried me through the bad and lifted me even higher in the good. I have found over time that the closer I walk with Him, the more content I am, the less anxious I am, and the more joy I experience.

The biggest difference, aside from baptism itself, has been understanding the miracle of Jesus rising on the third day—coming to believe it in a deep place in my heart rather than superficially acknowledging it in my mind. Oh, I still pursue living the life God has granted me to the best of my ability, but now I also live for eternal life, knowing He has given me a life with Him forever.

I pray we all experience the joy of baptism. I pray we come to believe in the resurrection of Jesus. I pray each one of us seeks to grow closer to God, allowing Jesus to fill the void inside us. If you haven’t been, be baptized, accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Seek a closer relationship with Jesus. Be amazed by Jesus’ resurrection. Know that He wants you by His side.

John 20:19-20 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.