The word “joy” is used many times in the Bible.
Those who walk with Christ will experience joy. In fact, joy is one of several
characteristics which, together, are known as the fruit of the Spirit. In other
words, joy is a result of the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
The Apostle Paul offered a prayer which is recorded
in the book of Romans chapter 15, vs. 13. Here is what it says: “I pray that
God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because
you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power
of the Holy Spirit.”
The joy being described in this passage is not
referring to a type of temporary, circumstance-dependent happiness in which we
are rolling on the floor laughing because the external conditions happen to be
just right. This joy is a prevailing sense of cheerfulness in the heart. In the
Greek lexicon part of the description of the word is “calm delight.”
This joy involves an inner peace which would remain
with a person even in the midst of difficulty. And, so, we can find this joy—believe
it or not—being mentioned in a verse which deals with the troubles life may
bring: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an
opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your
endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2&3.
If a joyful state of mind is dependent upon a
continuous series of happy circumstances we will frequently be disappointed and
real joy will tend to elude us. On the other hand, if a joyful state of mind is
based on the assurance of God and the hope we have in Him then we can
experience joy in the midst of any circumstances.
Please understand, I am not claiming this truth has
been perfected in me. But I have seen people live this truth, I trust God, and
I write about it because in attempting to express and explain it, I hope to
understand it better and to experience it more fully.
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be
thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to
Christ Jesus.” 1 Peter 5:16-18
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