Joy is inner, unexplainable, delightful peace. It’s quiet. It’s calming. It’s resting. It’s uplifting.
Joy is a gift from God. It is fruit of the Spirit. Joy is recognizing the blessings of God and finding delight. As we proclaim our thankfulness to God for the gifts He so willingly and abundantly bestows upon His children, we express joy.
Romans 14:17-18 (NLT) says that we are to live “a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God …” Living a life of joy is pleasing to God! Philippians 4:4 (NLT) says that we are to “always be full of joy in the Lord”!
To always be joyful seems so unnatural. We all have bad days. How can this be? Recently, I witnessed an amazing testimony of joy and God’s goodness and mercy. A dear saint of the Lord was called home; and as my husband and I visited the family, there was such joy in the midst of grieving. There were tears, smiles, and laughter. Unnatural? Yes. Unexplainable? Yes. But isn’t that joy? It is of the Lord—“the joy of the Lord is [our] strength” (Psalm 28:7, NLT). As the children of God recognize His blessings (even if it means a loved one is no longer with us physically, and we will see them again in heaven), we receive strength and express joy.
I’m into videos of joy this week, and here’s a wonderful music video from Zach Williams about Joy, enJOY!
Our Faith Challenge: Observe the testimony of those who are going through difficult situations. Are they expressing joy? You can see it on their face and in their attitude. If they are struggling, please cover them in prayer. If they radiate joy, thank them and buy them a coffee!
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