"Unexpected Joy" - Mike Ashcraft | Unexpected Christmas, Week 3

Joy is the opposite of cynicism, and if we can't find joy, we're likely to become cynical. Being in the presence of God brings a profound sense of joy. Joy isn't indifferent to our emotions, but it's not just about how we feel in the moment. When we receive joy, we need to be open and ready for it. It's like adopting a posture that lets us take in all the good things from God. Trust is crucial because it builds a path to joy. This joy is more than a fleeting feeling; it becomes a way of facing life. It gives us the strength to endure tough times, keep going, and have faith. Learning to trust is the key to discovering the fullness of joy. This resilient joy helps us keep moving forward, fueled by a belief that goes beyond what we can see, feel, or understand.