Joy

Wouldn't it be nice that in this world filled with sickness, stress and conflict your life was one full of peace, happiness and joy? Looking at your particular circumstances or what is happening in this world you probably don't believe that it is possible to actually be filled with joy. Oh sure, maybe a little happiness here and a touch of satisfaction there, but to be really filled with joy?

One Christian religious leader recently presented a list of things you can do to have joy in your life. On his list were suggestions such as work for peace, respect nature, help the poor, give yourself to others, don't complain, don't force your religious views on others, don't judge and finally, keep Sunday as a family day. I thought it rather odd that missing from his list were the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the true source of joy in a Christian's life. 

Yes, his was a discussion of things you can do and that is all well and good. But scripture presents joy as something brought about as the result of a relationship with God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22) It is a fruit, a result of being connected to a sacred and living vine and as such it proclaims the true essence of it's maker.

There is a kingdom of darkness where there is no lasting joy and there is an eternal kingdom filled with joy. The two are in conflict. The eternal kingdom is not merely a place we long for, a pie in the sky hope, a pin prick of light that beckons us onward. It has come in the person and presence of Jesus and it will destroy all the enemy strongholds.

Isaiah 9 described it's promised coming. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light . . . You shall increase their gladness; they will be glad in your presence . . . For you shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders . . . For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace

Isaiah 55:12 predicts it's ultimate fulfillment. For you shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Romans 8 also speaks of God's ultimate intention for us and creation. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Joy then is not a matter of the conditions around us. We are not waiting for a Savior to come and for the revealing of His kingdom. He has come to us and in us and we are part of His plan for His creation here and now. We have entered His kingdom by faith but we also need to walk in faith and trust that His plans are just and true. Joy comes in spending time with Him. Joy comes in having a relationship with Him. Joy comes in seeing the world through eyes of faith.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.  In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.  I Peter 1: 3-9

Dear friends, this is as real as it gets.  You are going through nothing that is beyond the power of the grace of God.  He made you, YOU!, with a capacity for great joy.  Spend time with Him in prayer and in the Word.  Praise Him even in the midst of your pain and confusion.  Listen to the leading of His Holy Spirit.  Let Him be the Lord of every part of you life.  May your tears be turned into tears of joy.  May His peace be with you always.