Synonyms: delight, gladness, mirth, pleasure, rejoicing
As a Christian for a number of years now, I have struggled to understand the word Joy. What does it feel like, what does it really mean?
Maybe I feel it and I call it something else.
Maybe I don't have it and my entire Christian life is a sham.
I have pondered the meaning of joy many times but haven't looked for much help in finding an answer.
Today I was reading John 15. Jesus gives us an illustration of him being the vine and we are the branches. Here is verses 9-13.
“Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love. If you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. My commandment is this – to love one another just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this – that one lays down his life for his friends." (John 15:9-13 NET)
Then I read this in 1 John:
"This is what we proclaim to you: what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and our hands have touched (concerning the word of life – and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and announce to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us). What we have seen and heard we announce to you too, so that you may have fellowship with us (and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ). Thus we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete." (1 John 1:1-4 NET)
And finally in Psalm 4
"Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. (Psalms 4:6-8 NLT)
While reading through these verses I saw the simplicity to receiving joy.
1. We have joy when we are connected to God
2. Our perspective is changed (referring to ps 4- life is more than the abundance on this earth. We can have everything and still not have joy)
3. Being connected with others in a healthy, caring way. (John 15:13, 1 John 1:3)
That to me is really what life is all about. Micah sums it up best when he says, "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NLT)
Connect with God, connect with others, do the right thing. The by product- complete joy. Learning this I can confidently say I do have joy, I think it grows stronger as each day goes by. Little by little it becomes complete.
