"Jesus, we trust that You are our Joy!"

Today is Gaudete Sunday- more commonly known as the Sunday when we wear pink, haha! The word Gaudete means "rejoice!" We are reminded today, amid the waiting, that joy will come, and Jesus will reign.

I find it challenging to be joyful, and I'm sure you might, too, sometimes. Let's remember, though, friends, that joy is not happiness. Joy consists of constantly having in your mind and living out the phrase, "Jesus, I trust in You."

Jesus, we trust you with our family situations.

Jesus, we trust you with all the problems of the world.

Jesus, we trust that you'll forgive us for our mistakes and sins.

Jesus, we trust you with our schoolwork.

Jesus, we trust you with our chronic illness.

Jesus, we trust you with our grief and sadness.

Jesus, we trust you with our anxiety.

Jesus, we trust you with our depression.

Jesus, we trust you with the feeling of abandonment.

Jesus, we trust you with all our insecurities.

Jesus, we trust you with our friends.

Jesus, we trust you with our parents and siblings.

Jesus, we trust you with our future plans.

Jesus, we trust you with our conflicts.

Jesus, we trust you with our health.

Jesus, we trust you with our uncertainties.

Jesus, we trust you with our fears.

Jesus, we trust you with unresolved complicated situations.

Jesus, we trust you with our pasts.

Jesus, we trust you with each other.

Jesus, we trust you with the failings of the Church.

Jesus, we trust you that you'll help us love more deeply.

Jesus, we trust that your Words are true.

Jesus, we trust that you are merciful.

Jesus, we trust you with everything.

Jesus, we trust that You are our joy!

That, my friends, is where you will find true joy: in trusting our Jesus and waiting on Him with expectant hope. Whatever it is that is stealing your joy and peace, give it to Him. "I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:11). All we need to be truly joyful is our Jesus. He is our joy. Jesus is where we'll find joy, no matter what else is going on in our lives. And, this Advent, as we prepare for His coming, we are confident that someday, we'll be filled with the highest degree of joy possible when we are fully united with Him in Heaven. But for now? For now, find your joy. Find your Jesus. Find Him in His Word, in the Sacraments, in service to His people. Find Him in the stillness of a church just by sitting before Him, simply basking in His love and mercy.

I pray for you today, that you'd be filled with the joy, hope, and peace that Christ brings; please keep me in your prayers!