Focus on the Bible
by: Darrell G. Young
August 2020
Joy is something we all long for but that often seems difficult to grab hold of and enjoy for any length of time. Experiencing joy should be a part of every Christian’s life. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, produced by God’s work in us, and it is part of God’s will for us.
The Bible speaks profoundly about the “Joy of the Lord.” The joy of the Lord comes from the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God, abiding in Jesus, and being and being in tune with his Holy spirit.
Because of its supernatural origin, the joy of the Lord, or our gladness of heart is present within us even through the trials of life. We know we are children of God, and no one can snatch us away from Him.
It is often said that “Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, and the Joy of the Lord is our strength.” So Joy is emblematic of our spiritual strength.
Still, we all know that even the most mature of God’s people experience periods of joylessness. For instance, Job wished he had never been born (Job 3:11). Although he was strong in his Faith, his Joy in the Lord was severely flagging.
You may remember singing the little children’s tune that went something like this: “I got the joy, joy, joy; down in my heart; down in my heart. Down in my heart to stay!”
What a happy thought those words convey. To think about the Joy, Joy, Joy of the Lord deep in our hearts to stay!
With this in mind, it’s evident that one way to experience joy is simply to focus on God. Rather than dwelling on our difficulties or those things robbing our contentment, we can dwell on God and find our joy reinvigorated.
Possessing joy in the heart should be a part of every Christian’s life. Joy is both a gift of God as well as a response to the gifts of God. Joy comes when we are aware of God’s grace and relish His favor. Joy in the Bible is often presented as “true” contentment based on faith.
With this in mind, it’s evident that one way to experience joy is simply to focus on God. Rather than dwelling on our difficulties or those things robbing our contentment, we can dwell on God and find our joy reinvigorated.
The joy of the Lord is the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Because of its supernatural origin, the joy of the Lord, our gladness of heart, is present even through the many trials of life. We know we are children of God, and no one can snatch us away from Him (John 10:28–29).
Many Christians think once they’ve made that decision for Christ that everything will fall into place and life will be that proverbial bowl of cherries. And when trials and tough times come upon them or continue, they begin to question, “why?” Where’s the Joy?
How can we find joy in the midst of all the hardships, and painful circumstances that come our way? In reality, adversity, instead of hindering our faith, can actually enhance our joy.
Regarding Joy, we first need to understand that the joy the world gives is not the same as the joy the Spirit gives. Worldly joy or happiness comes and goes as often as waves hitting the shore. It isn’t something you can cling to when you’ve lost a loved one or are facing bankruptcy.
The Spirit’s joy or happiness, on the other hand, can stay with you for the long haul. For the believer, the fruit of the Spirit, including joy, is like a bottomless well of water, there’s always an abundant supply. Even in the darkest days, when sadness, grief, and loss may threaten to overwhelm you, God’s joy is there.
Second, we need to understand that God’s joy cannot be taken away. Oh, you might think that it has vanished, that the hands of misfortune have snatched it away from you, but it’s hasn’t. As believers, we are promised the constant presence of the Holy Spirit, and even our adversity will be turned into Joy!
God has promised us His abiding joy. Just as our salvation is assured through Jesus’ one-time sacrifice for all. Jesus’ words in John 15:10-11 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
John 15:11. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Third, we need to stop wallowing, whining, and complaining and grab onto God’s joy. Just like salvation, joy is a free and perfect gift from Him, and we must reach out and accept that gift.
God reminds us that Joy comes in the morning. Dark nights and tough ordeals can last a long time, but they are never permanent for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Instead of hopelessness, we have His promise that He will make all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Only God can take the very bad and transform it into something very good.
Instead of hopelessness, we have His promise that He will make all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Only God can take the very bad and transform it into something very good.
As the Psalmist says, “Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Speaking of Gods counsel, the psalmist reminds us that the sorrows we face in this life are temporary. As painful as a season may be, it is only a season.
Psalms 30:4-5 Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
5. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
So, with Gods abiding help, You can endure whatever circumstances are making you quake in your boots right now. If you have been saved through faith in Jesus Christ; you have all you need.
The joy of the world is hollow, but the Joy of the Lord is rich and abundant. The world’s happiness will fade with time, but God’s people will be happy forever.
Joy is both a gift of God as well as a response to the gifts of God. Joy comes when we are aware of God’s grace and relish His favor. The one sure way to experience joy is to focus on God and his Word.
Joy is meant to be a hallmark of the Christian life. We best experience this gift of joy when we focus on the truth of who God is, commune with Him through prayer, and rely on the community of fellow believers He has provided though Christ.
The popular Christmas song “Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts celebrates the joyful occasion of the Lord’s first coming; when the angels announced "tidings of great Joy to the World." But the lyrics were never intended to be a Christmas song. They were a poem by Watts based on the words of Psalms 98..
Psalms 98:1-8 O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvelous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
2. The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
3. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
4. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
5. Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
6. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.
7. Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
8. Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together.
And in Psalms 16, we can always reflect on these wonderful meditations about the “fullness of the Lords Joy.” We can always find Joy in the precious presence and promises of Jesus!
Psalms 16:8-11 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
10. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
11. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
