JOY

From the Holy Bible we learn that any joy which does not have it’s source in God comes to an end. It is a false joy that doesn’t truly satisfy and leaves one longing for something more. The Bible tells us of many people who experienced this. For example King Solomon – a most wise man – who tasted all the pleasures of this world and achieved many grand ambitions. Yet he was left unsatisfied and realized that it was all vanity and grasping for the wind. Also Samson loved Delilah but his joy in her led him to disaster when she betrayed him. There is also the story of the prodigal son who took his inheritance before it’s time and traveled abroad. He wasted all his wealth and found himself miserable and alone. He was joyful again only when he returned to his home where he was forgiven by his father and accepted into his arms.

Interestingly, even when the disciples returned to Jesus after performing miracles He said to them not to rejoice in this “but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). From this we understand that real joy is found in being with God. The greatest joy is meeting God in His heavenly Kingdom, as the Lord says to the faithful, “Enter into the joy of your Lord. (Matt. 25:21). Jesus also described heaven as a source of great joy when he said in a parable “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13 :44). As Christians, we believe we are guaranteed a place in heaven through the salvation of Jesus Christ our Saviour. The Bible describes the joy of this salvation where it tells us of the angel announcing the birth of Jesus Christ “behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Christians believe that God is loving. We believe that He has redeemed us and saved us. He has turned the punishment for our wrongdoings into salvation. This salvation is eternal life with God in heaven and it is the greatest joy and an eternal joy. This joy starts here on earth for Jesus said “indeed the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17 : 21). This joy grows continually as our relationship with God grows and as God reveals Himself more and more to us and fills our heart with His love.

The loving God that Christians believe in said “I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palm of my hands” (Isaiah 49: 15-16). We believe in His affection towards us and that His relationship with us is filled with emotion and loyalty – not formalities. This is put poetically in the Holy Bible where one says “I sat down in his (God’s) shade with great delight” God is is infinite and almighty. There is none like Him yet He is so humble and kind and cares greatly for us who are small and imperfect.

Since God cares so much for us, the Bible teaches “ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4 : 6). Also Jesus Christ encourages not to worry and lose joy for says “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6: 31-33). So in our joy we feel no worry at all, for peace reigns in our hearts always. Our joy doesn’t come from the circumstances around us but from deep faith and trust in God who is taking care of us. It is the joy of a spiritual life with all the gifts of grace. Indeed God is our heavenly Father who builds us up and helps us to grow. Christians therefore believe that any problem or difficulty in life should be seen as a source of joy. Therefore, the Bible teaches us “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” (James 1 : 2-3).

What about times where we feel that our circumstances are terrible and perhaps unbearable? The Bible tells us that the followers of Jesus also experienced such feelings. Paul writes ” we live…as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10). This joy was demonstrated even when Paul and his friend Silas were beaten, thrown into prison and bound. The Bible tells us that “at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16 : 22-25). It seems their joy was an encouragement to the other prisoners as well.

The Bible encourages us:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4 : 4)