The fleeting joy of victory

This season has been widely dubbed "the year of the underdog," following a series of shock domestic cup triumphs which have given sleeping giants and fringe clubs rare moments of glory at their national stadia.

In February, Newcastle United kickstarted this trend by beating table-topping Liverpool to win their first major trophy for seventy years. More recently, Crystal Palace beat Manchester City to win the FA Cup, their first ever major honour, before Aberdeen pulled off what was perhaps the greatest shock of them all by beating Celtic on penalties to win their first Scottish Cup for 35 years and deny the hoops a domestic treble, having not been given even half a chance by the viewing public beforehand.

Similar triumphs were also seen on the continent with Bologna winning the Coppa Italia to win their first trophy for 51 years and Stuttgart securing an unlikely German Cup title.

Each of these triumphs have concluded in sheer, unparalleled euphoria for the unlikely winners of a nature very little other than sport can provide. Most of the supporters of these clubs journeyed to their respective national stadia in hope rather than expectation, only to be rewarded with what many have described as up with the greatest days of their lives in the aftermath.

Many of these supporters will have experienced a wave of joy, disbelief and euphoria unlike much else they will have experienced and can be forgiven for thinking at the time that it would last forever and that nothing could ever take away from their joy.

However, if football has taught us anything, it is that the glory of victory can be so fleeting, before the nitty gritty of the next season kicks into full gear. It has been so important for these teams to heartily celebrate their historic triumphs, not just because they deserve to, but also because there will be supporters right on their backs again after their next couple of defeats and disappointments. History teaches us that while the highs of football truly can be so high, the lows are only ever just around the corner.

A greater and more fulfilling joy

How good is it then to consider that the unbridled joy on the faces of these supporters represents just a taste of a much greater and far more fulfilling joy which we experience through Jesus Christ’s redeeming love?

While footballing success, no matter how unlikely, brings incredible joy to the fans of winning clubs, it is fleeting and always gives way to underachievement or even disappointment as an often unrealistic craving for further success develops.

However, the joy that God offers us through His Son is everlasting and completely fulfilling and will be enjoyed to the full. This joy will never lead to disappointment, underachievement or a lack of fulfilment but will satisfy completely forever as we glory in Him in eternity.

We really did see some incredible scenes at Wembley, Hampden and elsewhere this season as several teams finally got to enjoy their moments of glory. How amazing it is, therefore, to remember that this provides just a taste of the everlasting and fulfilling joy yet to come for those who put their trust in Christ.