JUST THINKING: Jesus and Joy

      I was just thinking about how many are dealing with various emotions regarding some of our present-day circumstances. Many people are dealing with sadness, hurt, disappointment and discouragement. For so many Americans, there is a lack of joy. I am certain that such is not limited to our nation. In this article, I hope to encourage any reader who may be dealing with similar emotions.

Anticipating Joy

         Joy, rejoice, joyful and rejoicing are mentioned 430 times in the Bible. I have concluded that God wants His people to have joy, be joyful and rejoice because of His grace and goodness.

      Here is a rather good definition of joy for believers: joy is a feeling of good pleasure and happiness dependent on who Jesus is rather than who we are or what is occurring around us. Consider the words of the psalmist: “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love our name may rejoice in you” (Psalm 5:11 NIV).

      Despite the sin of humankind that has existed since Adam, causing heartache and despair, God anticipated the time when a Redeemer would bring salvation from sin and joy to believers. Isaiah wrote: “In that day they will say, ‘Surely this is our God; we trusted him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation” (Isa. 25:9).

      That anticipated joy did not come immediately. It didn’t come for centuries after Isaiah wrote. Still, Israel looked for a Messiah (the Anointed One) who would surely bring joy amid suffering, sickness and sin.

Knowing Jesus Brings Joy

         When Jesus was born, there was much rejoicing — Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the angels and, later, the Magi. But 33 years later, when Jesus died on that cross, there was no joy among the angels, the apostles or the Lord’s church. They were despondent. However, when Jesus arose from the dead, they joyfully shared the good news of salvation with everyone they could. Knowing Jesus as Savior brings joy!

      In Acts 8:26-40, we find the account of a meeting between Phillip and an Ethiopian official. After Phillip shared the Good News of Christ with that man, the official came to know Christ personally, and immediately followed Him in baptism. “When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Phillip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). Indeed, knowing Jesus brings joy!

Despite Circumstances, Be Joyful

         Every believer should claim the Lord’s promise that He will never leave nor forsake us. It is by faith we believe, and it should be by faith that we walk. Circumstances may be good one day and bad the next, but Jesus’ love for His believers never falters. We must trust in the One whom we have not seen but believe that He provides for and protects us. That should give inexpressible joy. “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him, now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9).

      That anticipated joy I mentioned earlier has been a part of God’s plan for believers — He expects us to have joy and to show joy. “Rejoice always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thess. 5:16-17).