In this world filled with challenges, it may seem difficult to find individuals who are genuinely joyful but not Christians. Against all odds, there are people who radiate true joy. They have discovered the secret of finding peace through the teachings of God’s word.
Let’s consider the formula for a fulfilled life: God’s joy + our joy + eternal joy.
This formula holds the key to understanding the essence of life. Without a connection to God, it becomes nearly impossible to experience true joy. Just as it is impossible to smile without God, genuine happiness is also unattainable without Him.
I once had the privilege of listening to a respected Pastor named Lou, who shared his perspective on joy. He described joy as an emotion that arises from a sense of well-being, success, or good fortune. It can also stem from the anticipation of attaining one’s desires, resulting in a state of delight.
Similarly, the renowned Bible teacher, John Piper, expressed that joy is a positive sensation within the soul that is ignited by the presence of the Holy Spirit (paraphrased). In other words, joy is solely a product of the Holy Spirit. It serves as evidence that God is with us and is not contingent upon our circumstances.
In Galatians 5:22-23, the Bible speaks of the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are manifested in the lives of those who are connected to God, and they transcend any worldly laws or limitations.
Reflecting on the accounts of Jesus’ birth, we find that the angels instructed the shepherds not to fear but to rejoice. This serves as a reminder that true joy is not dependent on external factors but rather on the presence of God within us.
In conclusion, genuine and lasting joy can only be found through a connection with God. It is not restricted to Christians alone, as God’s love extends to all. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, the fruit of joy blossoms within us, regardless of the challenges we face.
What are the three sides to be joyful
Contrary to popular belief that we can be joyful if we drink alcohol, have children, be married, have a good job, etc all those things are gifts from God, but they can only be maintained if we rely on God.
1. God’s joy
Throughout the entire Bible, there are countless verses where God shows he is a joyful God. The most amazing part is his joy has an effect on us.
Nehemiah 8:10 “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
From that verse, we see that, even the strength we need to live is only from God. We can have it only when we depend completely on God alone.
In the records from Prophet Zephaniah 3:17,”The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” God rejoices over us with joy. What a rare privilege! It pleases God Almighty to consider us his own.
This means in everything we do, we need to fight to change our thinking. God loves us unconditionally. We will never earn that love, and he wants us to be joyful at all time, regardless of our circumstances.
Jeremiah 32:40-41, I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me. 41Yes, I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul.“
One of the main fruits of Jesus’ coming to earth is that God is pleased with us now through him. Luke 3:22, the Holy Spirit defended on Jesus.
2. Our Joy
In spite of our efforts to make ourselves happy, we can never boast to be able to maintain a stable, joyful life. Largely because our joy is dependent on our circumstances.
Some say joy is a good feeling, but l refute that argument. Our emotions are always misguided, complaining and unstable. We cannot depend on them for a long time.
John 16:22. No one can take your joy from you. Though everyone goes through seasons of darkness, we all have to be joyful. God has promised to help us in joyless times, have you asked him for help?
The joy we have is not ours.
Our only responsibility is to belief.
Romans 10:9, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;”
During difficult times, we need to find God’s joy.
3. Eternal joy
This is joy in the life after life. Our eternity is based on our belief today. If we see God in it, then it will be joyful, but if satan, then it will be full of misery and pain.
Isaiah 35:10 “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
1 Corinthians 16:26-27 “Because all the gods of the nations are just idols, but it is the Lord who created heaven! Greatness and grandeur are in front of him; strength and joy are in his place.”
King David had a glimpse of God in heaven, that’s why he said in Psalm 16:11 that “You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand.”
Psalm 30:4-5 “You who are faithful to the Lord, sing praises to him; give thanks to his holy name! His anger lasts for only a second, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay all night, but by morning, joy!”
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