Having Joy

Sometimes it seems like everywhere you look there is something bad going on in the world today. There have been several natural disasters, and crime seems to always be on the news. With all of the negativity, one could get discouraged or even feel depressed. In times like these it is important to look to God to give us joy.  Dictionary.com defines joy as “The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying”. The only One that can bring that to us is God.

Galatians 5:22 lists Joy as one of the fruits of the Spirit. John 15:4 says “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” We cannot bear fruit unless we are in Christ. Since joy is a fruit of the Spirit, then we cannot have joy unless it comes for the Lord.

Psalm 43:5 tells us to put our hope in God. However, sometimes people look to things to bring them joy. But it is never enough. We are designed to need God. Our lives will never be complete until we invite Him in. I believe this is why people buy and buy and buy and never seem to have enough stuff. Eventually, their houses become cluttered with a bunch of junk, and then they realize how unhappy they really are (if they ever realize it all).

When we look to God to bring us joy, we are activating our faith. We have faith that He can restore our joy no matter what is going on around us. Anytime we look elsewhere, it shows a lack of faith. A good way to get joy in the Lord is to think of the good things that God has done for you. Even if it is just being alive and well. Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” When you think of how good God is, there is no way you can continue to feel sad or down.

My Big Mama passed away in 1997. One thing I will always remember about her, is that she was always happy and joyful and she laughed a lot. I never saw her sad or upset. I believe it was because she had the joy of the Lord. I remember when her health was failing. She never missed a beat. She made it known that she wouldn’t let her heart be troubled and that she put her trust in God. I saw her in hospital the day before she went to be with the Lord. She was smiling then. That is the kind of joy I want to have.

When you have the joy of the Lord, nothing can bring you down. God tells us many times in His word that He will give us joy. All you have to do is seek Him. (Luke 11:9)

Scriptures on God being the source of your joy:

Psalm 43:4; 45:7

Luke 10:21

Romans 14:17;15:13

Galatians 5:22

1 Thessalonians 1:6