Joy

Joy is defined as the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation. And the expression or display of glad feeling.

I read somewhere recently that joy is not merely happiness but rather an unshakable confidence that God is in control. Wow!  I love that.  Do I believe it? Yes! Do you?  Do I live it? Not always.  One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Psalm 51.  Psalm 51:12 says, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit.  I find that I need my joy restored often and I meditate on 'grant me a willing spirit'. 

So often I find myself not doing the things that I truly want to and doing the very things that I don't want to do.  Paul said it best in Galatians 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. Essentially because of my sinful nature I need God's help to have a willing spirit.  I cannot do anything good in my own strength.  Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do everything through him(Christ) who gives me strength."

Knowing the source of where your joy comes from is a start.  John 15:11 says "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."  and John 16:24 says, "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."  Joy is ours!

If we find our happiness in our possessions, status, bank account, etc. we will find our joy is like a roller coaster--up and down.  However, when our joy comes from Christ it is constant and consistent no matter what the circumstances.

I learned Philippians 4:8 as a young girl but did not recognize the significance of the verse until recently.  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  If I am meditating on these things I am certain I will be filled with unshakable joy.

May your joy be complete and unshakable in Christ Jesus.