These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:11
"Don't Worry; Be Happy." are the words to a famous song that most of the world has heard. It has a catchy tune that we can find ourself humming along for a couple days--driving ourselves and others crazy if we are not careful--LOL. This week we are going to be taking an in-depth look at Joy from a Biblical perspective. While some might think that joy and happiness are synonyms, they are not. Happiness is based on circumstances and may not endure when things are difficult. Biblical joy is the fruit of the Spirit and the smile of the soul that is right with God.
Biblical joy remains regardless of unfortunate events or disappointments in life. We are called to "Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ..., and shout for joy" (Psalm 32:11) Christians are commanded to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4). Biblical joy is not something that is relies on an event. A believer's strength is their joy in God (Nehemiah 8:4) and knowing God's joy in them. The Bible tells us that God "rejoices over us with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17), and that there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the 99 that need no repentance. (Luke 15:7) God's rejoices in His people and His joy is based on His love which is eternal and will never cease.
Thus, the Believer's joy is based on their relationship with God. Joy comes from having faith in God who cannot fail or lie. Joy comes from standing firm on His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. That is the source of unspeakable joy. That is the joy that bubbles up in the soul of the Believer. It is an unshakable confidence in an unshakable God. Everything else in this life may pass away or disappear in a moments notice. But God will never change. His promises are sure and His love is real. That is the confidence of the soul that has been redeemed by the love of God found in Jesus Christ our Savior.
Joy is found in the people who have taken refuge in God--they rejoice and sing for joy because they know His protection is over them (Psalm 5:11) Those who have great joy are those who have discovered the secret of abiding in the shadow of the Almighty. They have learned to abide in Him and be sustained by Him. Their joy is the smile of their soul fixed on Jesus.
I’ve always found it interesting that I can be deeply sad and exceedingly joyful at the very same time. I have a deep rooted joy in the Lord that is always present, while at the very same time I have a deep rooted sadness over the condition of the world and sin in other’s lives….and my own.