Joy is the feeling of immense pleasure and delight that is unchanged irrespective of circumstances. Joy is the theme of the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Joy and rejoicing occur no less than sixteen times throughout the letter. Joy is one of the graces of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22,23), which is a result of the Christian’s vital union with the Lord Jesus Christ.
The letter to the Philippians was one of four letters Paul wrote while he was incarcerated in Rome. The other three letters are Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. In Philippians, Paul made this classic exhortation to the Church: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). The Christian’s joy is “in the Lord!” This tells us that no matter what our circumstance may be, our joy will not be affected because it is in the Lord. The Lord is our greatest example of joy. He had joy while going to the cross. “Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2).
We have a wonderful Lord and a great Savior who wants his joy to remaining us so that our joy may be complete. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).
Whenever pain or weakness tend to get us down, God still loves us and He will provide the needed strength to revive and energize us. In the great revival under Ezra’s preaching, Nehemiah exhorted the people “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). The joy of the Lord will always be our strength. It never fails we can count on it every time.
The 100th Psalm is a song of gladness, thanksgiving, and praise to God Almighty. “Make a joyful noise to the LORD all the earth! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Many Christians have memorized and quoted this beautiful psalm because it actually inspires our joy in the Lord. It can also be considered a doxology.
“If you want joy, real joy, wonderful joy, Let Jesus come into your heart. Your sin He’ll wash away, Your night He’ll turn to day, Your life He’ll make over anew; If you want joy, real joy, wonderful joy, let Jesus come into your heart” (Joseph D Carlson).
Joy helps us to get through problematic situations practically unscathed. James exhorts us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). Joy will enable us to enthusiastically achieve God’s will for us, even though it can be the testing of our faith. Just remember to “Count it all joy!” And leave the outcome to God.
Note what James is saying. “When (not if) you meet trials of various kinds,” However, inspite of trials, it is God’s intent that we enjoy His peace in our lives. And to be very sure, joy is the secret of the peace of God. Peace will always abound when we submit to God’s will.
Peter writes concerning Christian suffering and conduct in the light of our salvation. He says in part “that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:7-9).
Christians have a full and complete salvation, which is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone! Therefore, we can rejoice because we love Him “though you do not now see him.” And also glory at His appearing because we believe in Him. Take heart, one of these days faith will actually give place to sight. And we shall behold Him and not another.
“The Christian life should be characterize by joy,” writes Dr Charles Stanley, “because of the unassailable power, love and wisdom of our Savior Jesus Christ” . . . “How could we not have joy in our hearts when we know God loves us, is with us, has promised to help us, and wants to bless us forever? (Life Principles Bible p. 1519).
My dearly beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, let joy be unconfined in your life. And let us rejoice with inexpressible joy filled with glory in Him who is “the founder and perfecter of our faith.” Hallelujah. Amen.