A month ago, I met a friend for lunch. We happily discovered her commuter rail stop was a half a block away from the restaurant. With this newfound convenience, we looked forward to our future meetups. But as the current pandemic surfaced, the need for social distancing changed our plans.

Depending on the impact of COVID-19 in your community, it’s likely you’re in some form of hunker down mode too.

As we seek to adjust, many challenges are before us.

For local businesses, what used to be open is closed. The stock market fluctuates and what should be up is down. For many, the workplace now means working from home or it’s no longer their workplace at all.

The amount of illness and loss of life is daunting. Prayerfully, the rate of recovery will continue to grow over time.

Because in times of trouble and distress God is not unmoved. In fact, when I look at Hebrews 12, I see what His Son did to insure we could do more than just survive.

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV)

When describing the sinless Savior’s motivation for enduring pain, punishment and shame, Hebrews 12:2 says it was “for the joy that was set before Him.” The holy thrill of accomplishing His saving mission and showing us God’s love kept Jesus on Calvary’s cross.

It’s meant to keep us in His purposes too.

When life feels good, happiness settles on the surface of my heart. And yet, joy doesn’t just flood the soul when things are to our liking. It is the radiating effect of receiving Christ’s redemption.

It shines within our hearts reminding us God is good, even when life is not. It’s a small word, but joy carries a big gift.

Weighted with the wonder of God’s glory, it sinks deeper into the soul than the things we wish were different. Because biblical joy is based on what Christ has done.

During a pandemic or any other problem, the beacon of His promises points to better days ahead. However, our enthusiasm in Him isn’t a cosmic emotion causing us to ignore pain and suffering. It flows as we realize God is with us in our pain and suffering.

He is the source of our joy and our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

With all the challenges set before us, I’m not sure when I’ll meet a friend for lunch again. You may face a greater or grimmer uncertainty.

But there is a joy set before you and me. It is the delight Christ envisioned on His road to Calvary.

He saw lost souls realizing they’ve been found. Sin and shame would be severed from believing and forgiven hearts. He saw the sick being healed and the broken restored. He was pleased with our faith as we trust Him; even in our social distancing or serving in essential roles.

After He rose from the dead, He “sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” It is the position of Authority.

Through faith in Christ’s resurrection, we can rise again regardless of the situation. Sometimes our rise is a process, as we learn how to depend on His grace and experience more of His joy. (Psalm 16:11 and Ephesians 2:4-7)