“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
It is not my intent to take this scripture and minimize or Americanize something this scripture into what it is not. In no way do I want to compare my day-to-day trials to the agony of what Jesus faced on the cross when He forgave the sins of the world. Let me start by stating that I am not writing from a theology background. I am writing as a simple woman navigating everyday life with the belief that God created us and wants a relationship with us.
You can find many other writings about this particular scripture and what it meant for Jesus to have the joy set before Him. Some will say that we were the joy set before Him. Others will state that Heaven was the joy set before Him. Others will write about how it was either agonizing or simple for Him to lay down His life knowing it would benefit literal all of mankind.
This morning this scripture, in all of its complexity and without minimizing it, reminded me what my drive for thankfulness in life is. It reminded me where my drive for personal healing started. I know for sure that I strive to find joy in every day because I want those I love to find joy in every day. I had to teach myself to cultivate healthy habits, routines, mindsets, so that I could encourage those I love in that same direction. I’ve never wanted to be someone who doesn’t take my own advice. I decided early on that the only way I could help someone else was to get free myself. Do, then teach!
I taught--key word, taught because it doesn’t come natural-- I taught myself to find joy in every day because I’ve seen the opposite. I’ve seen when people wake up day after day to the same kind of life without making any change to their normal. They are bitter, they are sad, they feel like life is happening to them instead of them making life happen.
I’m not big on setting goals, I don’t think every woman needs 1 million followers on Instagram or to write a book or anything like that. I just want people to wake up and enjoy their own life. If the coolest thing you did this year was create a new apple pie recipe, stich a new pattern in your quilt, finish a book series, start going to counseling, survive breastfeeding, teach your four year old to tie their shoes —whatever—I am just so glad you did it, you created a moment, and you found joy in the mundane. Because, honestly there are a few cool people I know, but the rest of us are just making it through the day-to-day not-cool lives. And I want our not-cool lives to be done as free with as much literal joy as possible. In summary, You are the joy set before me.
Honestly when I miss what I can’t have. When I want to live a hippie life without rules and boxed in church protocol, I remember -–you—the woman reading this blog and think but I want her to be free, I want her to find the joy that I know is true. So I get out of bed, I brew coffee and I find Jesus. Somehow, anyhow. I walk, I read, I blare worship music, I cry, I search the Bible over and over—I find the joy. I cultivate the joy, I don’t just wish it to be, I fight for it, because I want you to fight for it too.
There isn’t a doubt in my mind that Jesus offers us peace and joy: Galatians 5:22-23 NIV “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” I know He offers it to us, sometimes I just don’t want to choose it, but just like Jesus in a WAY MORE real way laid down His life on earth, that is where I find my inspiration. I lay it down. My cravings, my desires, my selfishness, my heartache and I fight through because I know I will see you and I want to be there for you. I want you to tell me you found another Selena Gomez song that brightened your day and helped you find more healing from your old relationship. I want you to text me a silly photo of your daughter because in the craziness of Motherhood you are still choosing joy. I want you to DM me an inspirational post that helped cheerlead you on past your childhood trauma. In common day verbiage, I am here for this! I find joy, you find joy, we inspire each other, we continue to inspire others, and this world feels a little bit more cheery, a little bit more hopeful and we find the joy, together.
ABOUT KERRI
Kerri Naber is an Upstate NY native living in sunny Sacramento, California. She works at a Christian nonprofit dedicated to helping young women break free from life-controlling behaviors and situations.
Kerri is a newlywed with a Corgi Puppy that is slowly learning how to bring routine and health into her life. As an Enneagram Type Seven she is constantly dreaming, creating, and trying to get to San Francisco. You’ll find her writing to constantly reflect both her love of The Lord and love of all things fun. Find her on instagram at @Kerri_Naber and over on her blog.