Do you equate having joy with being happy? While they are similar in definition, for me, happiness is momentary. Happiness is tied up in things or events. My new kitchen stove makes me happy. Seeing a beautiful sunset makes me happy. A good day at work makes me happy.
Joy, however, elicits a different emotion for me. One that is deeper, not fleeting. Joy is more fulfilling. This is because joy comes from the Lord and is not based on my circumstances or things of this world. Circumstances change so I can go from happy to sad quickly and easily. However, even in sad circumstances I can still feel the Joy of the Lord.
You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have
loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.
Psalm 30:11
It is this joy that we need to allow to overflow into the lives of those around us – at home, at work, in our communities. Even in sorrow, pain, and suffering, we can show the joy of the Lord to others. When we get caught doing this, others question how we can be joyful in such circumstances. And that is when we can share the gift we’ve been given.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
Because God is unchanging, His joy is unchanging, and we can put our hope, trust, and faith in that!
So how do we get this joy? We get it by trusting God’s word. We accept the sacrifice that was made for us by Jesus’ death on the cross. A death that served as payment for our sins against God – past, present, and future.
Is it hard to be joyful in difficult circumstances? Not if you know God and are in relationship with him. “The joy of the Lord, which is the gladness of heart comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit.” (A definition shared by our Pastor.)
We keep our joy when we remember God loves us.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 36:7
We keep our joy when we release our shame.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
We keep our joy when we avoid sin which removes us from God’s presence
For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
with you, evil people are not welcome.
Psalm 5:4
We keep our joy when we remember how good God is to us.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes
in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into
the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:16-17
We keep our joy when we remember there will come a time when there is no more suffering, and no more pain.
So also, you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your
hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
John 15:22
What more does God have to give us for us to be joyful? He gave us his son, our sins have been forgiven, we have been made heirs to the throne, he gives us salvation in eternity.
Have you become complacent to you sin? It’s easy to do. Things that not so long ago where seen as sinful have or are becoming commonplace and acceptable – divorce, sex outside of wedlock, movies once considered pornographic now commonplace, idolatry (money, fame, work, technology). This does not make them any less sinful. Sin doesn’t change with the times. Unrepentant sin breaks our connection with God while minimized sin minimizes our God.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8
We need to remember we live in a world that says, “look at me; look at what I have done, what I have achieved.” The humble person says, “Look at my God and what he has done for me, through me, and in me.” Let others see the peace and joy of Christ in our lives. When the storms come and come they will, demonstrate your God given joy knowing no matter how hard they hit, Jesus is in the boat with you!
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility
count others more significant than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3
Share your joy; let it be seen by others and be the light on the hill.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven
Matthew 5:16
Blessings,
-PSG-
Featured Photo by Matheus Bertelli: https://www.pexels.com/photo/girl-holding-white-flower-573259/
Recent Comments