Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Everything God does is for His Own glory.
Okay, but that's not a fair comparison, I don't think. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." - 1 Corinthians 2:9
So the same problem remains for me... How should I have joy in my future paradise? If you have joy for the things set before you, it's because you have faith! Because eye has not seen, right? But faith worketh by love ! So you have joy in the Lord, because you have faith in the Lord, because you love the Lord. I lack proper love for the Lord, so I lack proper faith in the Lord, so I lack joy in the Lord -- which means I lack strength (the joy of the Lord is our strength), and when I lack strength...
James says "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
When I have little faith, love, and joy, what kind of prayers do I pray? Are they full of thanksgiving? No. They are full of bitter whining, and disrespectful breaths. And we know 5hat anything that is NOT OF FAITH... is sin. Therefore, as I walk in sin, how can I walk in Spirit?
THANK GOD FOR JESUS CHRIST. THANK GOD FOR GRACE.
"But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:"
I suppose the only answer to this problem is to sit, and wait. Am I the author of my faith?