Joy

“Rejoice in the Lord always – REJOICE!”  Philippians 4:4

Joy is a satisfaction knowing that no circumstance or combination of circumstances can alter God’s love for me!  Joy is anchored to the belief that God is present, a friend, and allowing any and all for my betterment or in order to touch others for good.

So, whether in glee or groan, up or down, “Yes” or “No”, perk or loss; there is joy knowing that God is working it all toward a beautiful end!  Joy comes in knowing that God is up to something and as God is good all the time, of unconditional love, long in patience, and oh, so kind – there is more than ample reason to have joy even in pain, loss and wrong.

Happiness is the emotion of glee that is often expressed in laughter in those moments that are free of guilt and shame, free of anger and hurt, and free of fear and stress.  Such moments of happiness are also moments of joy.  Where joy is different is that it is also in full bloom when the mind is not free of past hurts, today’s pain, and tomorrow’s what-ifs but, sure that something much greater and better is at work and ahead.

The basis of joy?  A buried treasure claimed!  Matthew 13:44, Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  Why the joy?  A great treasure was found – the kingdom of God and it is now that of the finder!

Reasons for Joy:

1. When a person is saved – I Peter 1:8-9, Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.  Psalm 51:12, restore the joy of my salvation

• • Knowing I’ve been adopted by God!  God is my Father – what a Father!!  Romans 8:16
  • Knowing that my past is dealt with! Psalm 103:12 And covered in Christ! Philippians 3:3
  • Knowing that I belong to a great family!  I Corinthians 12:13
  • Knowing that my name is on the will – heir to a great inheritance.  Romans 8:17
  • Knowing that I am loved by the King of kings – the King of Satan!

2. When another is saved – I Thessalonians 2:19, Paul’s Joy? Others at Christ’s appearing!

• • God rejoices before angels when one embraces Jesus as Savior, Luke 15:10.

3. When privileged to sacrifice for others – Philippians 2:17, As a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 

4. When believers are unified and faithful – Philippians 2:2, Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Philippians 2:16, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ.

5. When marked as His and suffering for it – I Peter 4:13, glory revealed (will be glad, Hebrews 12:2)

• • Knowing pain and suffering due to righteousness marks as His, Philippians 1:28.

6. Seeing God’s power/answered prayer – Luke 10:17, Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”

7. When tried – James 1:2, My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials…

• • Knowing that God allows bumps and pain so that I might grow – like learning to ride a bike.

8. When Jesus is clearly proclaimed!  Philippians 1:18, What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

9. When served or blessed by others – Phiippians 4:10, But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again.

10. When arriving in heaven – Psalm 16:11, The fullness of joy!

A true Christian has multiple reasons to always be joyful and at times reasons to be happy!