As I began reading Ecclesiastes recently, I was reminded of how hopeless life is without the Lord.  In chapter one the writer points out the lack of control, the lack of contentment, and the lack of cheerfulness.  There are other things that can be pointed out; but life here “under the sun” [without God] seems morbid.  There is a lot of sorrow and very little satisfaction.  Solomon says in verses eight and eighteen:

“All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing….For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.”

How true this assessment is by Solomon.  So is there any joy to be had in the Christian life?  Yes.  There is hope; and we can be joyous Christians.  The Word of God has much to say about joy; but consider Christ in Hebrews 12:2 – 3,

“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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

Believer, consider Christ!  Consider Christ!  Consider Christ!  Joy in this life is of Him, by Him, and continually had as we consider Him, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.