Finding JOY

 

Finding Joy

Chara – Joy (5479) (and rejoice) is a Greek noun which describes a feeling of inner gladness, delight or rejoicing. Joy in the NT is virtually always used to signify a feeling of “happiness” that is based on spiritual realities (and independent of what “happens”). It is a depth of assurance and confidence that ignites a cheerful heart. It is a cheerful heart that leads to cheerful behavior. Joy is not an experience that comes from favorable circumstances but is God’s gift to believers. Joy is a part of God’s very essence and He manifests this supernatural joy in His children (Galatians 5:22, Acts 13:52, 1Th 1:6). Joy is the deep-down sense of well-being that abides in the heart of the person who knows all is well between himself and the Lord. – Precept Austin

According to Christian Bible Reference there are 165 verses on joy in the KJV of the Bible.

Joy is all over the Bible! Yet, do you feel like somehow you missed the memo when Jesus shared the details on how to get or have Joy in this hard life?

I’d like to invite you to change your thought process on joy. It’s not a stuffing of feelings. It’s not a denial of the bad things that have happened or are still happening. It’s not ignoring the bad things around us.

I’ve learned in my own personal life that Joy is not about my current situation or even how I feel. It’s more than feeling happy. Biblical joy is much deeper and stable.

Biblical joy is an assurance that not matter what my heart can safely trust that God has a plan for my good and His glory.

What Is Biblical Joy

Biblical joy is the steady assurance that God has everything under control, even if I don’t like what’s happening around me. It is the quiet confidence that everything will be okay and work out as God desires. And it is the determined choice to praise God through it all.

 “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject you as evil on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and jump for joy, because your reward is great in heaven. For their ancestors did the same things to the prophets.”

LUKE 6:22–23

In the midst of hard times, it’s great to remember that joy can be found in and through Jesus Christ. If your life is filled with difficulty or suffering, and if you’re feeling down and discouraged, turn to His power as a source of strength.

What Does God Say About Finding Joy

In Second Corinthians 6:10, Paul says that Christians can even be “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (ESV).  This means that even when we are in the midst of a situation that legitimately brings us sorrow, our inner joy is never taken away.  The very core of our being can still rejoice in the fact that we are forgiven children of God who enjoy an intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe.  Our joy is strengthened when we remember that, no matter what the circumstances, God is with us and He is above all. – WhatChristiansWantToKnow

For His anger is but for a moment,

His favor is for life;

Weeping may endure for a night,

But joy comes in the morning.

PSALM 30:5

What Is True Joy In The Bible

Did you know that Paul wrote the book of Philippians from prison!?

Philippians 4:4–8 gives some guidelines for experiencing joy in the Christian life: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! . . . The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Here we see the importance of praising God, remembering that He is near, praying about our worries, and keeping our minds focused on the good things of God.

We can experience joy when we intentionally praise. We do not get joy by focusing on the negative things 24/7. Not that we live in denial, but we view everything through the filter of God’s will and love for our lives.

David wrote that the study of God’s Word can bring us joy (Psalm 19:8). We experience joy by communing with God through prayer. And we experience joy by keeping our focus on godly things rather than on difficult circumstances or discontentment.

Sin can steal our joy. When we knowingly go against His warnings, we sin, and this behavior causes us to distance ourselves from God. It can destroy relationships, finances and the generations to follow. Sin robs us of joy. 

But thank God for His redeeming grace and mercy!

“Jesus also gave some instructions regarding joy. In John 15 He talked about abiding in Him and obeying Him. He said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:9–11). One of the keys to joy is living in obedience to God.” – Got Questions

How Do I Find My Joy

8 steps to Biblical Joy:

1. Joy is something God gives and He can restore if you’ve felt joyless lately. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:12
2. Seek God’s presence. Spend quality time with Him in reading the Bible and prayer. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
3. Sin diminishes our Joy. Self reflect and ask God to help you get rid of sin in your life. Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. Psalm 97:11
4. Ask God to help you find joy in Him and His word. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. Psalm 119:111
5. When we walk and speak with wisdom, it produces joy. To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23
6. Hope! Christian hope brings joy. Our hope is secure in Christ. We can fully trust that no matter how bad things get here God is in control and has a plan for our good and His glory. The hope of the righteous brings joy… Proverbs 10:28
7. Joy is produced by the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit is not producing joy in your life, then it’s important to consider that something in your life may be blocking the work of the Spirit in you. Ask the Lord to identify that blockage and remove it so that His joy may flow in your heart. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy…Galatians 5:22
8. We get joy when we trust God. Remind yourself where He showed up in the past so you are encouraged that He will show up for you now. Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord… Psalm 40:4