Joy is somewhat hard to define.  We know when we are happy.  We can pinpoint the moment we felt the thrill of a new discovery.  We speak of enjoying a book or film.  Such feelings tend to revolve around clear, describable experiences.  But what do we mean by the joy that comes from being a Christian?

We know it isn't exactly the same thing as happiness.  The Apostle James said to "consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds."  (Jas. 1:2).  Trials or troubles don't, as a rule, produce happiness. Our Lord described the blessedness of those who are persecuted because of their commitment to Him.  He tells them, in fact, to rejoice and be glad!  (Matt. 5:12)

So what is this joy we are supposed to have when people get on our case for being a Christian or when bad situations stretch our faith almost to the breaking point?

The Psalms give us a practical, working definition of joy.  Joy is an outpouring of jubilant praise at the recognition of who God is, what He has done for His people and how He is faithful even in the midst of the roughest situations.  Joy is a singing heart inspired by the unshakable conviction that "we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care."  (Ps. 95:7).  We can rejoice in our circumstances because we know the outcome in advance.  We know that the testing of our faith produces perseverance in this life (Jas. 1:3), and a crown of righteousness in the life to come (2 Tim. 4:8).

Joy ultimately requires a decision.  We can choose to rejoice or we can choose not to.  Paul chose to rejoice -- to express his joy, in words of unmistakable confidence, that God's power was greater than man's effort to thwart the gospel.  Some preached Christ out of sincere motives, others out of selfish ambition.  Even worse, Paul was in jail, possibly on the verge of execution.  "But what does it matter?" he wrote, "the important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.  And because of this I rejoice.  Yes, and I will continue to rejoice."  (Phil. 1:18).

What about you?  Have you been conquered by your circumstances?  No matter how bad things are, God is greater than your afflictions.  But that won't be clear unless you obey the command to rejoice.  

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; 
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation."
  (Ps. 95:1)

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Want to read more about "joy"?  Read "Living a Life of Joy" and "Rejoice in the Lord Alway" found in our Archives.

Need some spiritual encouragement?  Additional reading of the Puritan Prayers on-site here will surely bless your soul.  Puritan Prayers 

To view previous articles:  Heavenly Notes Archive

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