Joy is a gift of spiritual maturity that doesn’t depend on circumstances lining up to our timing, our pleasure, or our design. Joy is from the Lord, and is dependent on who Jesus is, and God’s presence in and around us. Biblical joy is accessible to us even in the worst of times, and it can never be taken away from us.

One of the main reasons we don’t experience this joy is because of failed expectations that lead to anxiety. During the holiday season, anxiety and unmet expectations are at an all-time high! But we can approach this season with a different mindset as we realize the Christmas story is really a story of surrender.

In Luke chapter one, we meet a couple who dealt with failed expectations in the form of infertility. For decades, Elizabeth and Zacharius prayed for a child, and remained childless, until the angel Gabriel revealed God’s plan to the couple. Elizabeth did get pregnant, and her pregnancy greatly encouraged young Mary, who also learned about a new focus for her life. A life she, too, would have to surrender.

In Luke 1:26-29 we see the shocking way God tells a young girl that she will be the mother of the Savior of the world. We know that Mary was “greatly troubled” when the same angel, Gabriel, began to tell her God’s plan. But God beautifully comforted Mary by Gabriel’s news that her relative, Elizabeth, was also expecting a child. Mary’s response was complete surrender as she says to the angel, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (vs. 38)

JOY PRINCIPLE #1: How we respond to the unexpected shifts in life determines how we experience the process of God’s plan.

Mary rushes to get to Elizabeth as fast as she can. When she arrives at Elizabeth’s home, she finds her in the last trimester of her pregnancy. Before Mary can even get to the door, Elizabeth blesses her prophetically, four times.

1. Blessed are you among all other women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. (Elizabeth blessed her position and favor in the kingdom of God.)

2. How is it that the mother of my LORD has come to me? (Elizabeth is the first to worship the Savior of the world, confirming that Mary is truly pregnant with the Christ.)

3. The baby in my womb leapt for joy at the sound of your voice! (Elizabeth related to Mary as one pregnant woman to another pregnant woman. She brought smiles and humor to a hard situation.)

4. Blessed are you because you believed what the Lord said He would do. (Elizabeth blesses Mary’s faith.)

JOY PRINCIPLE #2: When God is shifting expectations, He’ll often bring someone to help shift our perspective and walk alongside us in the change.

This holiday season, how can we be both like Mary and Elizabeth? Believing in the new and mighty things God can do and encouraging each other as we navigate the changes.

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When Surrender Brings Joy