Joy

Let's be honest - there appear to be more grumpy Christians, than those who are, well ... happy.  So, what does a happy Christian look like? (Please, no selfies)  How can you tell a joyful person from a happy person, or a giddy person, or a foolish person? You can be happy your team won, you can be giddy about a great opportunity, you can act happy ... but be miserable, so, what is it that makes joy different?

Joy is not based on circumstances.... In fact, joy will not even prevent us from experiencing negative stuff.  However ...  joy is a deep-seated sense of happiness in what God has done and what He is continually doing. The Greek word for "joy" is related to the Greek word for "grace."  That means,  joy is a grace bestowed on us by God. 

 From, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth!" (Ps. 100:1) to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4)— There are many scriptures,  before, after,  and in between— where we are compelled to lead joy-filled lives.

According to Galatians 5:22-23 joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit but it can often seem elusive, if not impossible, for Christians.   

 Joy is unaffected by circumstances.  It is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. Joy is deep. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope. 

In many ways, perspective is key. When we look at what God has done for us, we naturally respond with thanksgiving and joy. When we look at difficult circumstances or the frustrations of life, we naturally respond with discontent. This is not to say that we don't acknowledge the difficulties of this life. But that, we do so --  while still recognizing that God is in control and that He loves us.

The Psalms display this truth. David, for example, poured out his complaints to God. He did not deny the hardships of life, his depression, his hurt, or his disappointment. Yet by the end of each psalm, he generally seems encouraged (check it out -- Psalm 3; 6; 7; 13; 16; 18).

When we voice our problems and worries, when we allow ourselves to be reminded of the goodness of God, we release our burdens.  Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). 

We can experience joy when we give our burdens to Jesus. He helps carry the heavy load. He also reminds us of Who He is. Knowing of His care for us and our ultimate victory in Him, we can experience joy even in our hardships.

In the opening words of Philippians 1, Paul writes ...

Philippians 1:3-8 

I thank my God every time I remember you.   In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,  being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.   It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.  God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

So it is with  "Joy to the World" - that Jesus has come and "Joyful, Joyful We (will) Adore Thee."   We will remember these songs, "...if you want joy, you must ask for it..." or, "..if you want joy, real, joy, God's joy, wonderful joy ... then open your heart and let Jesus come in..." and wait, "joy is the flag flown high in the castle of my heart ... for the king is in residence there."  - (that last one is going to be stuck in your head for days....just like the theme from...It's A Small World After All... - yep, you are welcome!)  

...and...really it is a very small world ... all things pale in comparison to our lives in Christ ...so c'mon... all of you...yes, you are my friends and you know I'm talking about you ...and I'm  just sayin'.

Back at it next week...

Kelly