Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Romans 12:12
Do You Know Joy?
Do you know true joy? Chances are you equate joy with happiness, which is based on circumstances. Most of us are “happy” when things are going well, but what about when times are tough? We have a hard time being happy when things aren’t going well. True joy is not grounded in circumstances. True joy is grounded in Jesus, who never changes. When we find true joy in Him, our circumstances will not change it or take it away.
Joy is a state of being more than an emotion.
We so often confuse joy and happiness. Joy is more than happiness, which is temporal and conditional. Happiness is an emotion dependent on personal feelings. Joy is the unconditional state of mind that accompanies fellowship with God. It is a contentment that cannot be shaken no matter what the present circumstances are in our lives.
The Greek word for 'joy' is chara, derived from the Greek word for 'grace.' This is important to note because it tells us categorically that joy comes from the grace of God. This means 'joy' isn't a human-based happiness that comes and goes. Rather, true 'joy' is divine in origin – It comes only from God. It is a Spirit-given expression that flourishes best in hard times. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 CSB
Joy is not dependent on circumstances.
And you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit 1 Thessalonians1:6 The Thessalonians were under great stress due to persecution; yet in the midst of it all, they continued to experience great joy. In fact, the text strongly implies that their supernatural joy was due to the Holy Spirit working in them.
Real joy is something much deeper and much more lasting than being happy. Unlike happiness, we are not responsible for it. It exists within us and comes into our lives as the gift of God. Joy breaks into our lives often in the most unexpected ways. It can be in a moment when love is expressed, when we are suddenly caught up in the unbelievable beauty of our world, or when that which is lost is found. There is the joy that comes in being forgiven when we have been wrong, the joy of being together when we have been separated, and the joy that lingers in the heart, even when tears run down our cheeks.
Joy is found in a relationship with God.
While most seek for happiness in temporary things, real joy is found in only in a relationship with Him.
Listen to the Psalmist:
But let all who take refuge in You rejoice, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult (be joyful) in You. Psalms 5:11
And again in Psalm 126:2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
What brings you joy? Having a relationship with Jesus, abiding in Him and walking in obedience is the only place to find true joy.
