Experiencing The Joy Of The Lord

To what degree do we as Christians have joy in our hearts in the midst of the busyness and work of life? What is the source of joy?

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says, “there is nothing better than to be joyful and to do good as long as you live, also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil. This is God’s gift to man.”

However, the words, “unhappy busyness” are used in the book of Ecclesiastes. In this book one will also find the phrase, “all is vanity” used many times. All one has to do is research to find that many people are unhappy but busy.

Joy cannot be determined by jobs, relationships, or how much money is in the bank account. Ecclesiastics 3:22 says, “there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work for that is his lot.” and “there is nothing better for a person that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25).

1 Timothy 6:17 says to “not set your hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”

Let’s face it and get real. It’s hard to have joy in the midst of troubled relationships, living from paycheck to paycheck, or all the cares of the world. It is easy to become so weighed down by the cares and trials of the world that it takes away our joy. So, what is the true source of joy? Psalm 16:11 says, “you make known to me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy and at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Seeing answers to prayer is also a source of joy. Most importantly, no matter how bad things may become at times Christians can rejoice because of our salvation.

In light of all the things that could take away our joy, we “should not lose heart.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us, an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Happiness comes from external circumstances, or things that we can control, but joy comes from an inner peace, regardless of circumstances, given by God.

One key way of maintaining joy in your life is to be doing what God has meant for you to do, using your gifts and abilities for him and building his kingdom. Are you living with purpose and intention in the will of God?

In John 15, the context is abiding in Christ. After giving much attention to abiding in Christ and bearing fruit, John 15:11 says, “these things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.” Another way to maintain joy is to be thankful and notice the blessings of each day.

Are there things in your life that are taking away your joy?

Stay connected to God and in his will for you.