Advent | Say Yes to Joy

This Week’s Reading 

Surprised by Joy
William Wordsworth  

Surprised by joy—impatient as the Wind  

I turned to share the transport—Oh! with whom  

But Thee, long buried in the silent Tomb,  

That spot which no vicissitude can find?  

Love, faithful love, recalled thee to my mind—  

But how could I forget thee?—Through what power,  

Even for the least division of an hour,  

Have I been so beguiled as to be blind  

To my most grievous loss!—That thought’s return  

Was the worst pang that sorrow ever bore,  

Save one, one only, when I stood forlorn,  

Knowing my heart’s best treasure was no more;  

That neither present time, nor years unborn  

Could to my sight that heavenly face restore. 

Reflection 

Let me ask you this: if joy could be yours forever, would you take it? That might make you pause because it may seem impossible to be happy forever. But what if joy looks a little different from what we expected?  

William Wordsworth’s poem, Surprised by Joy, centers on his mixed feelings of joy and sorrow when thinking about his deceased daughter. He opens with a confession: “Surprised by joy—impatient as the Wind / I turned to share the transport—Oh! with whom / But Thee, long buried in the silent Tomb.”  He experiences a moment of unexpected happiness, turns to share it with his daughter, and remembers that she’s gone. 

The Apostle Paul also wrestled with the tension between joy and sorrow. In 2 Corinthians 6:10, he describes his experiences with ministry work as “…sorrowful yet always rejoicing; as poor yet making many rich; as having nothing yet possessing everything.” 

The first step toward embracing joy is learning to view it through the lens of the Gospel. If we were to search for joy without that perspective, it would be challenging to experience it at all. The world can be full of grief and hardship. Wordsworth illustrates this perfectly when he writes: “To my most grievous loss!—That thought’s return / Was the worst pang that sorrow ever bore…Knowing my heart’s best treasure was no more; / That neither present time, nor years unborn / Could to my sight that heavenly face restore.” The grief of losing his daughter was so profound that it was impossible not to feel deep sorrow over his loss.  

I felt that grief deeply the year my best friend committed suicide. Given the circumstances, I felt as if I could have done something differently, believing that my friend would still be alive if I had said the right words at the right time. I struggled with depression constantly during that period of my life. For authentic joy to exist alongside grief and sorrow, it’s essential to recognize the pain that comes with life’s hardships.  

Saying yes to joy means seeing it as something that directs us to God. While I was mourning the loss of my close friend, I experienced surprising moments of happiness. I thought about the memories we made and how God worked in our friendship. It all pointed to how God made a way for us to become friends and share a bond that brought joyful memories.  

The closer I draw to God through prayer and time in His Word, I’m reminded of a simple truth: no matter our struggles or emotions, God remains constant through it all. The Book of Isaiah shows God delivering His people from captivity in Babylon. In Isaiah 55:12, God offered a promise that would extend to all of His people:  

“For you shall go out in joy 
    and be led forth in peace; 
the mountains and the hills before you 
    shall break forth into singing, 
    and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” 

As we continue through Advent, we should keep our hearts and minds focused on the fulfillment of God’s promise: Jesus. In Psalm 77:11, David writes, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” Much like David, it brings me joy to reflect on how God has worked in my life and in the lives of those around me.  

After my friend’s passing, I struggled to make new friends for a few years due to my mental health. Since then, I’ve made new friends at Woodside, with whom I’ve formed effortless bonds. Most of my friends in my young adult Life Group were baptized this year. I’ve also reconnected with many of my family members, and I find it easier to be truly present with them. It fills me with so much joy to finally have people that I can walk alongside again. The joy is rooted in knowing how God is always present in the moments that I spend with others. 

Questions to Consider 

I encourage you to take some time to consider the following questions:  

• Have you ever felt a moment of joy during a tough time?    

• How does trusting in God’s promise for joy shape the way you think about it? 

• Are there any parts of your heart that have difficulty accepting joy because of guilt, fear, or grief?  

Closing Prayer 

Lord, I thank You for offering the gift of everlasting joy. As the Advent season continues, let me be constantly reminded of Your presence in my life. Fill my heart and mind with peace that surpasses understanding. Let my life be a constant reflection of Your grace and mercy. Please continue to work in my life and guide my thoughts back to You. Amen.  

Editor’s Note: Are you curious about what it means to be a Christian? No matter who you are or where you’re at with your faith, we’d be honored to help you discover a life with Jesus. Connect with us here.