Following directly on the heals of yesterday’s post comes this one on the subject of joy, for you see joy comes when we turn everything over to the Lord and allow Him to have complete authority in our lives.
Joy Defined:
When we examine the word “joy” in the original Greek, it brings several ideas to its meaning including: gladness, delight, boasting in the Lord, rejoicing, and happiness. I have heard it said many times by many pastors and preachers that “joy” is not happiness because happiness is dependant upon circumstances. While that is true, joy is a form of happiness in that our joy is based not upon our circumstances, rather on the one who is in control of our circumstances. While I may not be “happy” as a result of a negative circumstance, I can still have “joy” in it knowing that Christ works all things for good in the life of one who believes in Him.
The Source of Joy:
As alluded to above, joy is not the product of circumstances, but a result of the one in control of the circumstances, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. A believer has joy because God chose to send His only begotten Son into the world to pay the penalty for our sins (Luke 2:10, 11). A believer has joy because Christ conquered death, hell, and the grave when He rose victoriously from the dead (Matthew 28:7, 8). A believer has joy in the knowledge and faith that his sins have been forgiven and that Christ is his Savior and Lord (Luke 15:5-10; Psalm 51:8, 12). The Word of God brings joy into a believer’s heart (Jeremiah 15:16). Lastly, true faith in Christ, abiding in Christ, walking with Christ brings true joy to the believer’s heart (1 Peter 1:8). CHRIST is the source of our joy.
Today, regardless of the circumstances, regardless of the trials, regardless of the heartache, TRUE JOY can be yours if you take your eyes off of the MESS and place them on the MASTER! Do not allow your emotions and your life to be dictated by your circumstances, but rather by the one in control of the circumstances. You may not be happy in your circumstances, but you can be happy, glad, and joyful in the one who has the circumstances in the palm of His hands. He LOVES you and cares for you.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)
Blessings for your day!
The concept of joy in tough circumstances has always been one that I believed in scripture, but it is hard to think through. The definitions you listed for joy helped. Using your example with the word “rejoice” makes sense. “I can still ‘rejoice’ knowing that Christ makes all things good…”
Thanks,
Keith
By: Keith Davis on October 2, 2008
at 10:57 pm