Do have joy or do you find you are lacking it?
Are you being burdened down with the things of this world and find you do not have any joy?
By the way what is biblical joy?
Unlike a fleeting moment of happiness or laughter; unlike the pleasure of a beautiful sight, unlike the sound of cherished music; unlike a close gathering of friends or loved ones, true joy is manifested in our lives because of our relationship with God. Now don't get me wrong those others things can add to our joy when our relationship is tight with our Father.
In Luke 15 we read a parable of a herdsman who lost one sheep out of his flock, he leaves the other sheep and when he finds the missing lamb he returns with great joy because the one that was lost, he has back to his sheepfold, his care.
We also read of a woman who lost one of the 10 pieces of silver given in marriage. She goes though all the house searching diligently even at night with a light and when she finds it her joy is so great she calls her friends and neighbors together sharing with them the good news *(see note 1).
A woman in labor experiences sorrow, then experiences joy when she sees the baby and holds it in her arms.
When you have true joy you want to share it with everyone. When a person becomes born again they normally have so much joy they tell everyone about it. John 16:21
Nehemiah 8:10 (Bible quotes from NKJV)
Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat (good food), drink the sweet (good drink), and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared (giving to others in need); for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
For us to have true joy we need to realize the joy of the LORD is our true strength.
Believing our Fathers promises to us results in joy.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom. 15:13
Being part of Gods kingdom we experience joy as we live in the spirit and not in the flesh.
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Rom. 14:17
Genuine Joy is not about being happy, because when we are down and thing are tough we would lose it. We can experience true joy whether times are good or bad.
Read what Paul said about his joy in tough situations and times.
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation . 2 Cor. 7:4
In all his tribulation (the pressures of life in this world) that is: hardships, trials, temptations, life's challenges in general, Paul writes he has abounding joy.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Jam. 1:2-4
This joy is twofold in nature. It is the joy of self-surrender to God. True joy can only begin when one's self has been surrendered to God.
How much Joy should we have?
And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 1 Jn. 1:4
God's desire for us is for our joy to be full!
As long as we live for this world and it's decaying treasures and not God's eternal rewards our joy will be lacking. (lay not for yourselves treasure upon earth Mt. 6:19, 20)
Let's consider one more.
“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.
Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. Jn 16:23, 24
We should be asking our Father who supplies all our need, whatever our need (not greed) so we can live godly, righteously and soberly in this present evil world then as we know we have received our joy can be full. Phil. 4:19
* note 1: for more information on this biblical custom Read Bishop Pillai's "Light Through an Eastern Window" Marriage Customs chapter 1, or contact me for more information.
