Inspiration & Worship

Inspiration & Worship

Got Joy?

God wants our lives to be abundant with fruit of the spirit. The more we follow in Jesus’ footsteps, the more fruit we reap – such as love, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – and joy. (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV).

Joy is much bigger than “happiness,” which comes and goes according to circumstances beyond our control.

The word “joy” (and “rejoice”) is most often translated from the Greek word “chara,” (pronounced khar-áh), in the New Testament, and is found in the NIV version 155 times, appearing in nearly every book. Jesus and joy go hand in hand.

Before Jesus was born, the angels declared that his coming would bring people great joy. John the Baptist, while still in his mother Elizabeth’s womb, “leaped for joy,” when he heard Mary tell Elizabeth the news of her pregnancy.

Joy in no way depends upon circumstances. Paul wrote about his great joy from a dank prison cell. He also wrote about the overflowing joy of the Christians in Macedonia, despite their “severe trials” and “extreme poverty” (2 Cor. 8:2). To Christians in Thessalonica, he writes, “…in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message [of salvation] with joy given by the Holy Spirit.” (I Thess. 1:6). Clearly joy is linked to Christ, not to circumstance. It’s a gift from God that can’t be stolen from us unless we relinquish it.

Christians may bring joy to one another, when they live in faith. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth,” John writes to a friend in Third John, verse 4.

Jesus taught us, by example, to value joy. “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God,” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV).

Above all, joy is a gift to us from God.

“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” (Hebrews 1:9).

Got Joy? ❚