JOY… God wants you to have it. Not just a little. Not just here and there. He wants you to have a LOT of it. Abundant. Real. Lasting. Big. JOY!
What is it?
The feeling of gladness. The things that make you smile. We reJOYce in the things that make us glad, happy, content.
Joy can be a temporary feeling. It’s the feeling my son (Elijah, 10yr old) had when Kentucky beat Wichita State. Which is the opposite feeling I had (picked WS to go all the way. He picked Kentucky to go all the way).
Yes, God wants us to have that feeling when our team, or child wins. But in contrast to the feeling that quickly fades, the joy of God is deeper, lasting, and yes, supernatural!
Where is it?
I’ve been a Christian since May 1996. Through the years I’ve met and been mentored by some joyful people. Unfortunately I’ve known more people who claim to know God and follow Jesus yet have no joy!
This is not meant to criticize anyone. I want to encourage you. God wants you to have JOY! And no, He isn’t pulling for your team!
My Joy
I don’t always have joy. The last twelve years of ministry have included many difficult days. Some bordering depression. But anyone who knows me would tell you I smile a lot.
Admittedly I have a lot of reasons to have joy. My beautiful wife @laurakchoy. My sons Elijah, Ephram, and Emet. Loving extended family. Supportive ministry. Wonderful mentors. Faithful friends. Yes, a lot of reasons to have joy.
While I count those blessings, lasting joy comes from God.
The Source of Joy
The final instructions a teacher gives are important. In the last hours Jesus had with His disciples He spoke about many things. What struck me recently was His emphasis on joy.
John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
John 16:20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 17:13 I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.
Notice the apostle Paul’s emphasis on joy…
Romans 14:17-18 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ultimately, joy is borne in our lives by the work of the Holy Spirit…
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
As we welcome Jesus into every area of our lives.
As we tune our listening antennae to hear the Spirit.
The more we surrender our will to follow His… the more joy we experience.
The fruit of God’s Spirit in our lives does not depend on circumstances. It’s wholly dependent on our welcoming and surrender to His will. Go back and meditate on Jesus’ words above.
Lastly, note the joy Jesus had, even with the shadow of the cross looming.
Heb 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
YBH? (Yes.But.How?) 3 Practices to Increase Your Joy
1. Welcome God’s will and work.
Begin each day with a simple prayer like this: “God, I welcome your will and work in and through me today.”
2. Remember God’s promises
Review the verses above. Mine and dig for promises in the Bible. Make a prayer promise list.
3. Review what you’re thankful for
Take a few minutes each morning to list a few things you’re thankful for. Be as specific as you can.
Don’t settle until your heart finds joy in God.