Day 7
Joy
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4
This is the very first thing James writes in his letter after his salutation. Why? Because of its importance. Many Christians think once they’ve made that decision for Christ that everything will fall into place and life will be that proverbial bed of roses. And when trials and tough times come upon them or continue, they begin to question why, wondering how they could possibly endure horrible circumstances and consider it joy.
Peter also tackles this subject of joy through trials.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1Peter 1:6-9
In both passages, we see the instruction of what we should do. ‘Consider it all joy…’ ‘Wherein ye greatly rejoice …’ Why? Because trials make us stronger. The passage from James clearly states that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. And Peter’s passage states that our faith, which is priceless, will be proved genuine and result in praise to God. But how? How can we find joy during all the hardships and painful circumstances?
First, we need to understand that joy the world gives is not the same as the joy the Spirit gives. Worldly joy or happiness comes and goes as often as the sun rises in the east. It isn’t something we can cling to when we’ve lost a loved one or are facing bankruptcy. The Spirit’s joy or happiness, on the other hand, can stay with us for the long haul. For the believer, the Fruit of the Spirit, including joy, is like a bottomless well of water—there’s always an abundant supply. Even in the darkest days, when sadness, grief, and loss may threaten to overwhelm us, God’s joy is there.
Secondly, we need to understand that God’s joy cannot be taken away. Oh, we might think that it’s gone—that the hands of misfortune have snatched it from us—but it’s not. As believers, we are promised the constant presence of the Holy Spirit. We are promised His joy, just as our salvation is assured through Jesus’ one-time sacrifice for all. Jesus’ words in John 15:11, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. Other examples, Acts 13:52, “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 16:34, “And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.”
Third, we need to stop wallowing, whining, and complaining and grab onto God’s joy. Just like salvation, joy is a free and perfect gift from Him, and we must reach out and accept that gift. Grab onto it like a lifeline. Choose joy over bitterness, anger, and sorrow. Make a decision to choose joy every day, no matter what.
FURTHER REFLECTION:
This topic is very near and dear to my heart because it is a lesson I’m relearning every day. My son had a rare brain cancer requiring brain surgery, chemo, and radiation. We’ve faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles, but his faith and determination to walk the path that God had chosen for him were evident throughout. He was a great inspiration to many. He lost his battle. But you know what I have discovered? God’s joy really is there. You can consider each trial joy; you can greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory even when you feel like you are face-first in the mud puddle. You can endure whatever circumstances are making you quake in your boots right now. If you have been saved through faith in Jesus Christ, you have all you need.
What calamities are you dealing with that if given to Jesus could result in joy? What earthly things are you depending on for your joy that need to be replaced with the true joy only Christ can give?
PRAYER:
God, You are the true, living, and perfect joy in my life. Forgive me when I have tried to substitute other things to try to make me happy instead of You. Even in the midst of the most difficult of days, my prayer is that I would choose joy. Amen.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 8:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 5:16, Hebrews 12:2, 10:34
by Bill Hughes