Where is the joy in life? As time marches on in our old world, the one experience all men seek--joy, seems to become more elusive. Man’s experiences are dominated by aspirations and mostly disappointments, false hopes and no hope, success with no real satisfaction and failure with no purpose to strive. Where is the joy in life?
The greatest resource for joy entered the world some 2000 years ago. The Lord Jesus Christ offered mankind an unparalleled experience of eternal joy. “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John15:11). Although he departed some 30 years after he arrived, he left an indelible truth to satisfy man’s soul for ever.
Joy, is an inside job that words pale to describe. It is a condition held in the heart of the mind, that transcend all of man’s aspirations and shortcomings. It is a refreshing fountain of cool water always present during the heat of the up and down challenges man faces every day in his life.
Joy, for the Christian believer, is an assurance of what is and what will be from God’s Word. The believer knows through an accurate knowledge of God’s Word and being filled with holy spirit, that he is now and forever a son of God with the assurance of Christ return. No greater joy exists than to know you belong to the Heavenly Father and you will be at the gathering together when Christ returns for his church.
One of the purposes of God’s Word is to provide the opportunity for the believer to have an abundance of joy.
I John 1:4:
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
When Jeremiah found God’s Word and he took it to heart, look what his response was, “Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (From Jeremiah 15:16). God’s Word talks of God’s desire for believers to have joy along with other things.
Romans 15:13:
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the holy ghost.
I am aware of the many challenges in life that seem to smother out any feelings of joy. But because joy is a reality housed in the heart it does not have to be affected by the circumstances in the world. If our mind is Word conditioned instead of world conditioned then we can take on the intimidations thrown at us and have joy. A beautiful example of this is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12:2 and 3:
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Our lord and saviour faced an ugly death with joy. Why? Because he knew who he was - the son of God; and he knew where he would be in the future - seated at the right hand of God. What a wonderful example he is for us who take on the challenges of the world. We too are sons of God. We too will be ever with the Lord, when Christ comes back to gather the church.
What should our response be to this great truth?
“Rejoice in the lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Regardless of the circumstances, we have something to have joy about over and over again. This is true because we are not circumstance conditioned, we are Word conditioned. God’s Word says:
I Thessalonians 5:16:
Rejoice evermore.
So, joy to the world came in the form of the lord Jesus Christ who redeemed man and made available for him to be born again of God’s spirit, so he could fellowship with God for eternity.
As we enjoy the holiday season, let us be forever thankful for the privilege of belonging to God; and let us maintain a frame of mind that is built on God’s matchless Word. And “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the lord…” (Philippians 3:1).
- Bob Lindfelt
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