The Bible has so much to say about JOY. If you search the scriptures, you will find many references to joy, and its importance to us. Joy is something we are supposed to have in our lives at all times, no matter what is happening around us – no matter what we are going through – no matter how we are feeling. Joy is available to us at all times.
It is important to note that there is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is a temporal feeling. It is most often connected to experiences or objects – we can feel happy after hearing good news, receiving a gift, or participating in a fun event. However, once the moment ends, the feelings of happiness also pass or end.
Joy on the other hand, is deeper. It is internal, and has to do with our inner nature as children of God. Joy is a state of being. It is rooted in the goodness of God.
As we study it in the Bible, there are a few things we learn about joy.
Living in joy is a choice – we can choose whether or not it we live in it (1 Thess 5:16). It is actually within our ability to choose, no matter what is happening. Even in tough times, we can choose to lean on joy to carry us through.
Living in joy is a posture of the heart – it comes from inside of you, and it is not affected by what is going on around you. As noted, it is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).
Living in joy is good for your health – Proverbs 17:22 says a joyful heart is good medicine. When you live in joy, your physical body is actually more relaxed and less stressed.
Living in joy is possible – the Bible tells us so. We are commended to rejoice in the Lord always!
Living in joy is a source of strength – you are no stronger than your joy. In Nehemiah 8:10, the Bible says that the joy of our Lord is our strength.
Living in joy is supernatural – joy is one third of the kingdom. In Romans 14:17, the Bible says that joy is one third of the Kingdom – God’s Kingdom is Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit. Joy connects us to the Kingdom of God, and to His Presence. In His Presence, there is fullness of joy.
Joy is not rooted in what is happening around us, but it is rooted in the goodness and faithfulness of God towards us.
God wants us to live full of joy, because He is joyful, and He is the source of joy. Joy is both a description of who He is, and of what He gives to His children. It is part of His character, and He wants us to experience joy always.
In John 15:11, Jesus said that His joy would be in us, and that our joy would be made full. In Acts 13:52 it says the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
As children of God, we have access to a supernatural source of joy that surpasses any other emotions we experience. This joy carries us, empowers us, propels us, delivers us, and heals us. For the child of God, joy is a very real force and a weapon against the enemy.
How do you live in joy? Well, it is one of the fruits of the Spirit, so it is already inside of you. You need to stir it up. Ask the Holy Spirit for a supernatural encounter with joy. He will give it to you – God wants you to have it.
Everything changes when we live from joy.
Pastor Christine Hassan