‘These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full’ ” (John 15:11, NKJV).
Joy and happiness are not necessarily the same thing. Happiness is the result of favourable circumstances; joy, in contrast, is the result of being—as in being connected to Jesus, the True Vine.
In Psalm 4:7, joy and happiness are contrasted: “You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine” (NLT). The “greater joy” comes from knowing and trusting God; happiness is a result of pleasant circumstances, such as an abun¬dant harvest. Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God; happiness is as unpredictable as a harvest. Inward joy defeats discouragement; happiness covers it up. Inward joy is lasting; happiness is temporary.
Joy is a delight in life that runs deeper than pain or pleasure. This type of joy stems from an awareness of God’s presence in one’s life, allowing us to rise above circumstances and focus on the goodness and love of God. At the core of Christian joy is the fact that God has acted and is acting to save those who trust in Him.
The Command to Rejoice (Phil. 4:4)
Many believers allow themselves to be victimized by their circum¬stances and consequently vacillate between spiritual highs and lows. For them, to rejoice seems unreasonable, even impossible. That is why the command is to rejoice “in the Lord” (Phil. 4:4).
We can’t always rejoice in our circumstances or in other people, because both of these elements may be negative. However, we can rejoice in the Lord, because He is always good, and He never changes.
Our spiritual stability is directly related to our knowledge of and commitment to God. Knowing Him helps us live above our circum¬stances and provides stability.
Despite these promises, and despite all the reasons we have to rejoice, we all struggle with sadness, discouragement, and pain. These are the “facts of life” here and now. No matter our circumstances, how can we learn to find the joy that’s offered us in Christ? What choices are we making that can greatly impact whether or not we avail ourselves of the joy that could be ours?
A long-held belief suggests that if a person is passing through diffi¬culties it is because either that person must be doing something wrong or does not have enough faith. What a crude and cold view of God! Jesus said clearly that in this life we would all have troubles, both the believer and the nonbeliever. However much we love the story of Daniel in the lions’ den, the fact is that most of the Christians thrown to the lions were torn to shreds by the beasts. The same with the three Hebrews who survived the fiery furnace; most Christians tied to the stake were, indeed, burned there!
Consider the possibility that many believers today do not have joy simply because they are self-centered. However real our problems, by focusing solely on them, we only make them worse in our own minds. In reality, we do have reasons to rejoice, not in ourselves but in God.
After all, doesn’t God say that “the very hairs of your head are all numbered”? (See Matt. 10:30.) Think of the promise inherent in those words. If, knowing our security is in Jesus, we would reach out and minister to someone else during our times of trial, we would know that self-pity can be turned to joy by a simple act of the will. “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends” (Job 42:10, NKJV).
While joy comes from knowing we are within the will of God, the immediate consequences often may be difficult and painful. To believe that when we accept Jesus and obey His Word all our prob¬lems will disappear can lead to disillusionment. Becoming a commit¬ted Christian is no assurance of money, fame, and influence. Each year thousands are persecuted, some even martyred, for their faith.
No matter what you might be struggling with now, reach out to someone who is, perhaps, going through something hard, as well. Surely you know someone who needs help, encouragement, and support. How can bearing someone else’s burdens lighten your own?
Reference: Adult Bible Study Lesson 2010 1st Quarter – Fruits of the Spirit