A Leap of Faith

Does living in a sin-sick world make you sad at times? Christ’s command to “leap for joy” (Luke 6:23) seems unreasonable and downright impossible sometimes. Why does He want me to leap for joy?

Did you know the Bible has a lot to say about jumping for joy? King David entered Jerusalem, “leaping and dancing before the Lord.” (2 Samuel 6:16) He was celebrating the presence of God coming to town.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, “the baby leaped inside her” (Luke 1:41) Again, the presence of God in the Christ child caused baby John to celebrate.

When Peter healed the lame man, “He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:8)

Jesus even commands jumping for joy. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.” (Luke 6:23) That’s a mind-boggling verse when you read the verse just before it. “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.” (Luke 6:22-23) Jesus was forewarning His disciples that following Him was going to make them very unpopular.

It’s the same for Christ followers today. The world hates those of us who stand for holiness and proclaim Jesus is the only way to God. The temptation would be for us to whine and complain when mistreated. Jesus says we should jump for joy when they hate us and insult us. Why? Because there is great reward for our obedience awaiting us in heaven.

Believer, we are fighting a spiritual war, and “the joy of the Lord is our strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10) The devil wants to rob us of strength by stealing our joy. Don’t let him.

Maybe it’s physically impossible for you to jump for joy. Perhaps you’re going through a difficult time and it’s been hard to even find joy. God understands. That’s why Jesus tells us . . .

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love…These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:9,11)

Finding the joy that defeats worry doesn’t come from jumping. Joy is the byproduct of knowing Christ loves us just as much as His Father loves Him! It’s the result of knowing He is with you every minute of the day.

“In Your presence is fullness of Joy.” Psalms 16:11.

I encourage you to believe the promise that God will never leave you. He is with you right now!

In the Name of Jesus, I speak the joy of the Lord over your emotions. I break any stronghold of worry in your life and cancel Satan’s plan to steal your joy. Father, I pray the amazing love of Christ would fill us with such joy that it causes us to rise up and soar like eagles! And should Your joy give us the urge to jump, help us to take a leap of faith and go for it!

“We can do nothing but leap for joy all day long, for we know who You are and what You do, and You’ve exalted us on high!” Psalm 89:16 TPT

Happy New Year!