“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelations 3:20 KJV).

   Jesus is inviting us to have an intimate relationship with him. Knowing that Jesus wants to eat a meal and have fellowship with us should give us great feelings of joy and a lasting peace.

   The Bible tells us that joy is a gift from God. Psalm 68:3-5 says, the “godly should rejoice and be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy” (NLT).

   However, for a long time I wasn’t feeling the joy and did not know how to find it. Perhaps you struggle with this, too. Along the way, I have discovered that knowledge of Jesus’ desire to be with us and His wonderous saving grace is not enough.

   Opening the door to Jesus is not a one-time event. It requires an active and continuous effort on my part every day. I must open the door to Jesus daily. I must work at building a relationship with Him, just as I must with my friends here on earth.

   This was awkward for me at first. It was like talking to a stranger. I didn’t really “know” Jesus until I studied the Bible to learn about Him and then spent time with Him. As time went on, our morning conversations became easier. I ask for His forgiveness, strength, and guidance. We plan my day. We acknowledge our love for each other. His love is my joy.

   I admit that my personal struggles and the troubles of this present world can lead me down into feelings of despair and disillusionment. To avoid a downward spiral, I turn my attention to God’s promises. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 WEB).

   We have troubles in this life, but “God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested” (James 1:12 CEV).

   It is not easy to be joyous with the troubles and hardships we all experience. Inner peace and joy are only possible through a relationship with Jesus. We have to work on it one day at a time.

   Someday, we will be with Jesus. The Bible says you will “go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12 NIV). Now that is the Joy worth pursuing!

-Marty McCormick is the program manager of the Rise Up Village Bakery, a ministry of the United Churches of Lycoming County. Marty and his wife, Wendy, are members of the Oval Church.