One of the most beautiful things in the world is seeing a child bubbling over with joy. Children find joy in the simplest things and express their joy so easily. When I hear the word joy, I picture animated smiles and laughter, energy and exuberance.This is the outward manifestation of what is happening inside our heart. But joy doesn’t always look this way. Sometimes it is a quiet steady confidence and gratefulness deep in our heart that enables us and strengthens us to keep on going when we are fooled by our emotions that we don’t want to go on, or that we just can’t.
Worldly joy is fickle and temporary. What the world calls joy is excited happiness resulting from our good circumstances and positive events. When those circumstances change or the special event is over, that so-called joy evaporates.
True Joy is a Gift from God.
Joy lives in a heart that is anchored in the love and hope that comes with a loving relationship with God. It is a deep inner gladness we have regardless of our circumstances. Joy comes from the peace Jesus gives that is not understood by the world. This kind of joy is supernatural. It is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit who resides in the heart of the believer.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control..." Galatians 5:22
These last weeks have been a very difficult season for me. My beloved grandson passed away suddenly in a heartbreaking situation. The grief is overwhelming at times, but God so faithfully lavishes his love on me in the most interesting ways, even sending strangers across my path to minister to me and bless me.
God's Timely and Surprising Gift.
One of these “gifts” occurred about two weeks ago when I met a lovely couple from Portland, Oregon. I was taking a friend to a new restaurant she had heard about and wanted to try. We were walking up to enter when a gentleman asked if we were going to eat there. I replied yes. He explained that he and his wife had a voucher for $75 that he needed to use before leaving town, which they planned to do right after eating lunch, and it was more than they could use by themselves. We took them up on their offer and he insisted that we order first and that we order anything we wanted. I asked if they would like to share a table or would they rather be on their way. They both seemed happy that I suggested eating together. We had a delightful conversation and learned a lot about each other. About halfway through our conversation, he paused and looked me right in the eye and said, “You look like a happy person.”
I was taken by surprise, and thought to myself, “You know, yes, even in this grieving season I am still a happy person.”
We felt like old friends by the time we finished eating. They hugged both of us when they got up to leave. Not just a polite social hug, but a real honest to goodness wrap-you-up-and-hold-you hug. Now this was a miracle in itself, because my friend is blind, and is exceptionally careful out in public, knowing that she is especially vulnerable. Had I asked her ahead of time if she would eat with strangers, tell them about herself and let them hug her, she would have demanded that we turn around and leave right then. But instead, it seemed that her spirit understood from the beginning that this encounter would be for her benefit and she was blessed abundantly.
As for me, the gentleman’s “happy” statement had caused me to stop and made me acknowledge that I am still a happy person, even in the midst of this flood of grief. I needed this reminder that my joy comes from God, not my circumstances, so joy remains even while my heart grieves the loss of my grandson.
Joy Ministers to Us in our Heaviest Seasons.
God wants us to discover how to have authentic joy in every season, even our darkest, most challenging and grievous seasons.
- It’s possible to be disappointed and still have joy.
- It’s possible to be in financial hardship and still have joy.
- It’s possible to suffer physical illness and still have joy.
- It's possible to experience relationship heartache and still have joy.
- And, yes, it's possible to grieve the loss of our loved ones and still have joy.
Joy is a Prominent Feature of the True Worship of God.
In the Old Testament, joy was associated with the true worship of God. Whenever people know, love, and worship God, His love instills a joy that only He can give into the hearts of His worshipers.
After Jesus spent his time on Earth and then ascended back into heaven, he sent Holy Spirit to us to comfort us among other things, instilling His joy in our hearts.
God’s supernatural joy is not limited to just a feeling, but His joy gives us the strength to face our crisis, to withstand the storms, to manage grief, to endure. I love the international children's version of Nehemiah 8:10 which tells us …”Don’t be sad. The joy of the Lord will make you strong.” David also speaks of joy throughout the Psalms.
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." Psalm 28:7
When your heart is heavy and you have lost sight of your joy, turn to God’s love letter, the Bible, for encouragement. There are so many scriptures about joy, and when we take the time to read them, taking in the presence of God, His joy will bubble up in you and will ease your load. Here are just a few of my favorites.
- "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." Psalm 5:11
- "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11
- "You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy." Psalm 30:11
- "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." Psalm 94:19
Our God is so good. He loves to lavish his love on us. He loves to see us happy. He grieves when we grieve, and he ministers to us in all kinds of ways to remind us of His deep love for us. Open your eyes to His gifts around you, and open your heart to receive.
We invite you to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the Dome for our Sunday Worship Service.
You can also live stream our service on Facebook and YouTube at 10:00 a.m..
If you missed last Sunday's message from our summer series, "1000 Names of God", click here.
