“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:2-3)
Joy is a deep and enduring hallmark of the Christian life, a spiritual reality rooted in the work of God. Yet many believers struggle to live in the fullness of this joy. Isaiah 12 offers profound insights into the nature of joy, its source, and its impact on our lives. As we explore this passage, we’ll uncover four truths about Christian joy and the Wells of Salvation that sustain us.
1. Joy Springs from the Gift of Salvation
Isaiah’s words invite us to draw water from the wells of salvation with joy. This joy begins with the profound reality of being saved by God. Salvation is not merely an escape from condemnation but an invitation into a transformative relationship with God. It’s this eternal rescue and union with God that births lasting joy.
In the Old Testament, God’s presence defined His people. Through the temple, the pillar of fire, and the cloud, He dwelled with them. In the New Testament, this presence takes on a new and profound dimension: the real presence of Christ abides in every believer. God’s Spirit takes residence within us, making His attributes alive and active. This abiding presence is not figurative or merely conceptual; it’s real, tangible, and transformative. Practicing this presence—acknowledging and trusting it daily—is a source of unending joy.
2. Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5 teaches us that joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Like any fruit, it requires cultivation. Spiritual growth happens over time, through seasons of challenge and growth. Hot summers, cold winters, and strong winds—the circumstances of life—don’t hinder fruit but strengthen its production.
Living by the Spirit produces joy, while living by the flesh depletes it. As we nurture our spiritual lives through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, joy grows within us. It’s not instantaneous but the result of consistent cultivation and stewardship. Like fruit on a vine, joy flourishes when we align ourselves with God’s Spirit.
3. Joy Comes from a Determined Perspective
James 1 challenges us to “count it all joy” when we face trials. This determined perspective isn’t rooted in the hardships themselves but in the redemptive purpose God brings through them. Trials test and refine our faith, producing steadfastness and deeper reliance on God.
This perspective isn’t always easy. Telling someone to find joy in their suffering can feel trite or insensitive. Yet the truth remains: God’s ultimate reality transcends our immediate circumstances. By anchoring our hope in Him, we can find joy even in life’s challenges. This joy transforms hardship into a testimony of God’s faithfulness and power.
4. Joy is Sustained by the Wells of Salvation
Isaiah’s imagery of “wells of salvation” is striking. These are not singular but plural—indicating an ongoing, daily supply of God’s provision. Imagine embarking on a long journey through a desert. At the outset, you’re told there’s a well of crisp, refreshing water to sustain you. But as the journey continues, you realize you need water every step of the way. God, in His goodness, places wells precisely where they’re needed, ensuring we’re never without the sustenance we require.
These wells remind us of God’s daily mercies and provisions. Whether it’s a hard day or an easy one, the wells are there—overflowing with new joy, new strength, and new life. They never run dry and are always sufficient. By drawing deeply from these wells, we are equipped to live with gratitude, worship, and purpose.
Living with Joy: Drawing from the Right Wells
In a conversation with a fellow church planter, a question was posed: why do so many Christians struggle with joy? While the reasons are varied—disobedience, emotional suppression, or misplaced priorities—one key issue stands out. Too often, we draw from the wrong wells. The world offers countless lesser wells that promise satisfaction but ultimately leave us parched. Jesus told the woman at the well that He offers water that leads to eternal satisfaction. Yet we’re prone to seek fulfillment elsewhere, neglecting the true source of joy.
Drawing from the Wells of Salvation requires daily pursuit and practice. It’s an intentional act of meeting with God through prayer, Scripture, and worship. These wells are not just a one-time provision but an ongoing invitation to experience the fullness of God’s presence and joy.
Advent: Waiting with Joy
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote that “Advent is a season of waiting,” but he extended this thought to all of life. We live in an Advent season, waiting for the final Advent when God will bring a new heaven and a new earth. As we wait, let us wait with joy—drawing daily from the Wells of Salvation and living in the abundant life God has provided.
Join Us for Advent
Interested in learning more about Advent, the church, or faith in Jesus? Contact us or join us each week in December at King’s Cross Church to experience our Advent series leading up to our Christmas Eve Service.