What is Joy?
Joy is a powerful emotion that can have a positive impact on our lives in many ways. It can boost our mood, improve our health, and strengthen our relationships. But just what is joy exactly, and how can we go about finding joy in life?
People who are joyful are often infectious. They have a way of making others feel happy and uplifted. Joyful people usually make friends easily, and are often successful in their careers because they have a positive outlook on life. They are a delight to have on any team, whether it’s at work or in a volunteer capacity.
Who wouldn’t want to be joyful? If you struggle to find joy in life, you might actually find that joyful people make you angry or annoyed because they have something you don’t have. Don’t distance yourself from these people, rather lean in and find out why they have it and where this joy comes from.
In this article, I will explore the meaning of joy and share some tips on how to find it in your own life.
Joy to the World: A short story of Isaac Watts
Isaac Watts was born in the late 1600s. He was a child prodigy, learning Latin at age 4, Greek at age 9, French at age 11, and Hebrew at age 13. He was offered scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge, but he declined in order to study to become a pastor for a non-denominational college in London.
Watts was a gifted writer and poet. He wrote hundreds of hymns and poems, including two of the most famous Christmas carols, “Joy to the World” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” His hymns were written to be sung by ordinary people, and they often reflected his own experiences of joy and sorrow.
In 1702, he assumed the role of leading a church, but owing to his deteriorating mental and physical well-being, he had to relinquish the position a mere year later. Isaac’s appearance was quite unconventional – he was of diminutive stature, fragile in build, and possessed an unusually large head. This peculiarity led to the portrayal of loose-fitting attire in all his portraits to conceal the disproportion in his physique.
Watts’ timeless hymn, “Joy to the World,” finds its roots in Psalm 98, celebrating the advent of Jesus Christ as the King of Kings. Brimming with exuberance and anticipation, this hymn serves as a poignant reminder that Jesus bestows hope and salvation upon the world.
Watts’ life and creative contributions stand as a resounding testament to the enduring power of joy. He illuminated the path to finding joy in Jesus Christ, even amid the throes of suffering. His hymns continue to inspire and uplift individuals across the globe, serving as a reminder that joy is a divine gift that transcends all circumstances.
Apostle Paul, King David, and Jesus Christ: Exemplars of Joy
Despite facing immense physical and emotional tribulations during their earthly journeys, the Apostle Paul, King David, and Jesus Christ all emphasized the profound joy that enveloped their lives. This resounding theme of joy in life permeated their words and teachings, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
The Apostle Paul, enduring trials that included imprisonment, continually conveyed his message of joy. His words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 echo this sentiment: “Rejoice always.”
King David, renowned for his defeat of Goliath, expressed his deep connection to joy through Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Jesus Christ, in His teachings, employed the language of joy to describe the future destiny of His followers. In Matthew 25:21, He portrayed this vision: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Jesus intentionally chose the concept of “the joy of your Master” to convey the ultimate reward for believers entering Heaven.
Even the writer of Hebrews drew attention to Jesus’ relationship with joy, stating in Hebrews 12:2: “keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.”
These three exemplary figures – Apostle Paul, King David, and Jesus Christ – illuminate the enduring and transformative power of joy, demonstrating that it can prevail even in the face of profound suffering and challenges. Their words serve as an inspiration for all to seek and embrace the profound joy that faith and devotion can bring into our lives.
Inevitably, when we choose to walk alongside the Lord during our earthly journey, an abundance of joy will naturally overflow within us. Jesus gives us unmistakable joy through spiritual fulfillment, forgiveness and hope, a supportive community of believers, personal transformation, acts of service, gratitude, and an eternal perspective. It becomes an inherent part of our existence, making it nearly impossible not to radiate joy. Consequently, as followers of Christ, we should exemplify a profound and contagious sense of joy, leaving those around us curious and inquisitive about our unmistakable happiness, unwavering hope in challenging situations, and our ability to maintain a consistently positive outlook.
To delve deeper into these inquiries, let’s explore the following questions:
- Defining Joy: What exactly is joy, and how does it manifest in our lives?
- Assessing Our Joy in life: How can we gauge our current level of joy, and what factors contribute to its presence or absence?
- The Significance of Joy in life: Why is cultivating and nurturing joy an essential aspect of our faith and well-being?
- Fostering Joy: What practical steps can we take to cultivate and grow in the realm of joy as Christ followers?
By examining these questions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of joy, its significance in our lives, and the strategies we can employ to enhance our joyous journey of faith.
What is joy?
Joy stands in stark contrast to happiness. While happiness tends to be contingent upon external circumstances, joy delves deeper into the core of one’s being and remains unaltered by life’s ups and downs.
Describing joy is a challenging endeavor, but from my perspective, it can be defined as an enduring sense of contentment, a hopeful anticipation of the future, a serene confidence in God’s perfect plan, an effervescent stream of laughter and smiles that springs forth from a heart filled with gratitude, and the possibilities are endless.
Although pinpointing a concise biblical definition of joy can be elusive due to its multifaceted nature, here is an offer a few helpful explanations:
Helpful definitions of Joy
“Joy is a feeling of happy hopeful content, found not in circumstance, but in Jesus, where there is complete confidence, that being in His presence is the best place to be and earth is but a flicker compared to all eternity.” -Craig Roberts
“Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.” -John Piper
“Joy is the flag which is flown from the castle of the heart when the King is in residence there.” -Principal Rainy
There are many other great attempts at defining Joy, but I hope this helps.
Ultimately, it’s safe to say that nobody in the world would decline the opportunity to be brimming with joy. Even individuals grappling with anger, hurt, or depression would undoubtedly welcome the prospect of experiencing joy. It’s a universal desire, and the challenge often lies in discovering how to cultivate it in our lives.
How joyful am I?
Assessing your joyfulness as a Christian is a deeply personal and introspective process that requires careful self-reflection. Understanding where you stand in terms of joy can provide insights into areas of your life that may need attention. Consider creating a quiet space, setting aside some time and journaling through the following points.
- Examine Your Emotions: Start by examining your emotions and feelings on a regular basis. Ask yourself how you generally feel on a daily basis. Do you feel content, hopeful, and joyful, or do you often experience negativity, anxiety, or sadness?
- Consider Your Perspective: Reflect on your outlook on life. Are you generally optimistic and hopeful, even in the face of challenges, or do you tend to be pessimistic and discouraged?
- Evaluate Your Relationships: Assess the quality of your relationships, both with God and with others. Are your relationships characterized by love, forgiveness, and a sense of connectedness, or do you struggle with resentment, bitterness, or isolation?
- Reflect on Your Spiritual Life: Consider the state of your spiritual life. Are you actively engaged in prayer, worship, and studying scripture? Are you experiencing a sense of closeness to God, or do you feel distant or disconnected?
- Assess Your Acts of Service: Evaluate your engagement in acts of service and kindness. Are you actively seeking opportunities to serve others and make a positive impact, or do you tend to be self-focused and indifferent to the needs of others?
- Seek Feedback: Sometimes, it can be helpful to seek feedback from trusted friends, family members, or a spiritual mentor. They may offer insights into your demeanor and level of joy that you might not see yourself.
- Keep a Journal: Consider keeping a journal where you record your thoughts and feelings regularly. This can help you track patterns in your emotional state and identify areas where you experience joy or struggle to find it.
- Pray for Guidance: Pray for guidance and insight from God. Ask Him to reveal areas of your life where you can experience more joy and to help you grow in joy through His presence.
Remember that joy is not a constant state but can fluctuate based on circumstances and life stages. It’s essential to embrace both moments of joy and seasons of challenge as part of your spiritual journey. By taking these steps and seeking God’s guidance, you can gain a better understanding of your level of joy and work towards cultivating a deeper and more enduring joy in your Christian life.
See How to find your purpose in life by Craig Roberts.
Is Joy important?
Joy is undeniably significant in the Christian journey. It serves as a litmus test for our spiritual walk with Jesus, an embodiment of Christ’s longing for our happiness, and a testament to our proximity to the loving embrace of Jesus.
Joy serves as a reliable indicator of our spiritual journey with God. As Psalm 16:11 beautifully expresses, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.” When we experience joy, it signifies our proximity to the divine and our adherence to His ways.
In John 15:10-11, Jesus articulates that abiding in His love and following His commandments leads to fullness of joy. Therefore, joy is not merely a byproduct of faith but a manifestation of Christ’s desire for us. It demonstrates that His joy resides within us, allowing us to experience completeness and fulfillment.
The presence of joy in our lives is a reflection of our growing intimacy with Jesus. It signifies that we are drawing nearer to Him, building a deeper connection, and sustaining a relationship filled with the warmth of His love and guidance.
We can’t serve the Lord without being joyful
Serving the Lord requires a heart filled with joy, as it is intricately linked to pleasing God. It’s essential to recognize that serving Him without genuine joy is ultimately futile. The Israelites learned this lesson firsthand as they faced the consequences of serving the Lord with incorrect motives of the heart. In Deuteronomy 28:47, it is stated, “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things.”
Does this mean that God will punish us for serving without joy? No, His punishment is not imminent, but the effectiveness of our service will be compromised. While we might see some earthly rewards, the heavenly rewards may remain elusive.
Consider church service, for instance. Does it imply that we will always feel enthusiastic about playing in the band, serving coffee, or assisting with toddlers? No, there will inevitably be challenging days when serving feels daunting. However, the crux lies in our attitude. When we surrender our difficulties to Jesus and humbly say, “Lord, this is challenging, and I don’t feel equipped, but please empower me to serve you with a joyful heart,” He will indeed provide the assistance we need.
Joy serves as compelling evidence of the reality of Jesus:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near; do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7.
Notable figures like George Mueller and Ian Ruybroeck understood the significance of a joyful heart in their service to God. They would not engage in preaching or writing until they were infused with the grace and inspiration of God. Likewise, the Moravians’ elevated spirits profoundly impacted John Wesley, leading him to embrace their genuine faith. This transformation eventually led to his own genuine conversion.
As A. W. Tozer wisely notes, Christians owe it to the world to exude supernatural joy. If we lack joy, it becomes unlikely that people will come to know Christ through us. Our family members and friends need to witness the presence of Christ in our lives before they can fully accept Him as truth. Joy is the radiant proof of our faith and the undeniable testimony of Jesus’ reality in our lives.
Joy gives us strength to get through difficult times
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
How did Jesus get through the cross? The Joy to come! How did the early church get through terrible persecution? The Joy to come! How do you get through what you are going through? The Joy to come!
Joy Encourages others
Joy serves as a source of encouragement for others: “As I recall your tears, I long to see you, so that I may experience joy.” – 2 Timothy 1:4
Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, my cherished joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. – Philippians 4:1
Being filled with joy has the remarkable power to provide significant encouragement to those facing adversity. It also brings immense joy to our leaders and mentors.
Five ways to grow in Joy.
1. Recognize that you cannot artificially generate it. Joy emanates from the Holy Spirit alone, and it cannot be feigned. Therefore, seek to receive it genuinely. Position yourself to say, “Jesus, I am deeply in need of you. I am unable to do this on my own. Please come and fill me with your joy.”
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” – Isaiah 55:1
2.Make a deliberate choice to pursue a life of joy. A joy-filled life doesn’t happen by chance. It necessitates a conscious decision. It also involves dedication and commitment. “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15
3.Prioritize your time with the Lord. The allocation of our time reveals our true priorities. Whether it’s Facebook, sports, or television, we consistently make time for what we value most. Give utmost value to God’s presence.
“In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” – Mark 1:35
4.Surround yourself with people who exude joy. Be discerning in your choice of companions—opt for individuals who radiate joy. Research suggests that we tend to adopt the average disposition of the five people we spend the most time with. It might be an opportune moment to assess your circle of influence.
5.Fix your eyes on the eternal.
“Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Please keep your friends and family who have yet to embrace the Lord in your prayers. “Likewise, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:7
When we shift our focus from ourselves to what holds value in God’s eyes—people coming to know Him—we not only experience growth in joy but also witness transformative changes within ourselves and others.
Additional Reading:
For Your Joy – John Piper
The Joy Project – Tony Reinke
When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy – John Piper
What does the Bible say about Joy?
How to find your purpose in life – Article by Craig Roberts
