Did you ever realize that Christian joy is one of the few emotions that we can have at all times, one because it is dispensed from God, and two it is not based on circumstances.
Perhaps we should first define what biblical joy is. I like how Christianity.com defines joy: “Biblical joy is choosing to respond to external circumstances with inner contentment and satisfaction, because we know that God will use these experiences to accomplish His work in and through our lives”1 According to this definition joy is a choice we make regardless of whether we are going through good times or experiencing severe trials. (James 1:2) tells us: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” While on the surface the world would think we Christians are crazy, we know better, that our God works all things for good to those who love and trust in Jesus. (Romans 8:28).
While happiness depends on favorable circumstances joy for the Christian depends on our obedience to the Lord. Dwight L. Moody states it this way: “The Lord gives his people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to him.”2 And while joy is a choice so is obedience to the Lord a choice. There is an old expression that states when it comes to joy, “that the world doesn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.” And this is so true since God is the real giver of joy. Again, Christianity.com puts it this way: “God alone can produce true joy — and He does that naturally through His Spirit living in those who have put their trust in Him. It’s important for us to understand that only God Himself can give us the ability to respond to life’s difficult circumstances with that inner contentment and satisfaction.”3
While we often can’t control the circumstances we go through in life, we can choose to view, even the most negative ones, as part of God’s divine plan to use even tragedy for His ultimate glory. Having a firm understanding that God will use every trial we go through to teach us valuable lessons that He uses to grow our faith in Him, is the key, I believe, to allowing His joy to constantly flow through us. Our job, to live in a state of perpetual joy, is to trust and obey our heavenly Father regardless of the circumstances that come our way.
In closing, not only is joy a choice we make but it can also provide us with the motivation to endure even the most challenging trials of life. (Hebrews 12:2) shows us how joy was instrumental in helping Jesus go to the cross, for we read: “…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” My friends, the next time you are faced with a difficult trial realize that it is often the pathway to great joy and inner satisfaction, knowing that our great God is working behind the scenes to use it and you to bring Him great glory!
1 What is Joy in the Bible? Christian Meaning, Definition, and Importance | Christianity.com
2 D.L. Moody Quote: “The Lord gives his people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to him.”
3 What is Joy in the Bible? Christian Meaning, Definition, and Importance | Christianity.com