Joy is Powerful
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In our relationships we are never spared from times of disappointment. When those closest to us mess up, we often react by internalising our anger and frustration. We build such a high level of trust with those we love that when we are disappointed, we are shaken and left in a state of unbelief, unable to comprehend the possibility that he or she could shatter the image of perfection we had constructed for them. In most cases, the things that upset us are mistakes – unintended errors of judgement - a simple lack of wisdom in a choice of words or actions; yet still the impact is felt painfully. We could say the same for how circumstances unfold around us – the things of life don’t always go the way we had imagined, yet whatever our source of disappointment, we are told to be always joyful:
Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (TPT)
The idea of allowing Joy to be a ‘continual feast’ may seem unrealistic, but in its biblical context this is not a romantic suggestion but a command - so how do I fulfil this instruction to be joyful when I am shaken by the circumstances of life or by the actions of those I love? There is good news - joy is not an emotion and this makes it incredibly powerful.
Language has many words that express emotion and among them - happiness; gladness and delight are a few that appear very closely related to joy. Such words express temporary feelings that last for a season because they are conditional. If I receive an unexpected gift, I am happy, but when I lose something, I am sad. In terms of dictionary definitions, joy is also considered to be an emotion – another word to express the feeling of happiness. The biblical meaning of joy is very different. The reason scripture commands us to be joyful is because in its spiritual context joy is a gift, and as a gift, joy is available as a continual state of being, made accessible to all believers. Those feelings of happiness and delight are simply emotions that come forth out of the abiding fruit of joy:
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.
Galatians 5:22-23 (TPT)
Spiritual joy might be described as: A complete and abiding satisfaction and peace that comes from our trust in God’s sovereignty and His faithfulness to us.
With such satisfaction comes a sense of well-being and hope in all circumstances. When, the things of life are tossing and turning, joy enables us to be positive in a hope well placed. In our close personal relationships, people cannot be perfect – nonetheless, we can have joy because we trust in a God who is able. If you have opened your gift of joy are you using it? Perhaps you have not opened it yet. There are bonuses for those who are obedient to practice joy. When you let joy flow out of you it is like a river of living water that feeds your relationships causing them to flourish. Being joyful is attractive and infectious – it rubs off on those around you, causing joy to awaken in them. Joy expels negative emotions and creates a positive atmosphere for growth. It brings calmness and peace.
As a child of the King – look to the gift of Joy to empower you in relationships and in overcoming any negative influences that try to discourage you in life. Some of us need to search out that gift still unopened.
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Steve and Khanya.