Experience God's Joy

Day 15: Experience God's Joy

Scripture:
Psalm 68:3, “Let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence. Let them be filled with joy.”

Nehemiah 8:10b, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (The King James version uses the phrase “more abundantly.”)

Thought:
C. S. Lewis, a profound Christian author, titled his autobiography: Surprised by Joy. It is his journey from atheism (after the death of his mother) to theism (as a young adult) and later to Christianity. He wanted to identify and describe the events surrounding his accidental discovery of the phenomenon he labeled "Joy."

Lewis believed that joy was a vital part of the Christian life and one too often neglected. Too many believers walk around looking like there is a grey cloud hanging over them, wondering why no one wants to follow them. Why would anyone be attracted to Christianity when they see us in perpetual mourning?

As believers, we are promised a life of joy — not just a temporary, fleeting "high," but something that endures through both good and bad days. William Treadwell said, “If we can convince people that we are onto something that's full of joy, they'll stampede one another to follow us.”

There are 254 verses about joy in the Bible, which indicates to us that joy in life is not only possible but also expected for followers of Jesus. Lewis discovered that joy doesn’t come to us by chasing it like a dog chasing its tail. Joy is a byproduct of a relationship with Christ.

Nehemiah tells us that the joy of the Lord provides us with strength because it gives us the capacity to overcome our trials. As James teaches us, trials develop endurance, endurance produces character, and character leaves a lasting legacy of Godliness. Jesus followers can expect to experience joy even in the midst of difficulty.

As challenging as it may be, in difficulty, we have to shift our attention. The writer of Hebrews tells us that we are to fix our eyes on Jesus who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame.  We are to consider Him who endured opposition from sinful men. In this way, we will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:2–3). The joy set before Jesus was the hope of a restored relationship with God and man.

Another way to shift our attention from our trial is to borrow joy from someone else. Often, instead of celebrating with others, we find ourselves feeling jealous, which can lead to resentment. During these times, instead of complaining about our situation, we rejoice that someone else is experiencing victory.


Reflection:
When was the last time you experienced joy in the midst of a trial? How was this possible?

In your opinion, what is the difference between joy and happiness?

In Psalms 51, David prayed, “Restore unto me the joy of my salvation.” What do you think he meant? Why was this so important to him?

Decision:
After your reading and reflection, what decisions do you need to make?

Prayer:
Today oh Lord, let your people experience joy in their journey, excitement in their steps, and passion in their worship. Let the joy of the Lord be their strength.