Joy
The word “joy” is from a Greek word “chara” which is defined by Strong’s as, “cheerfulness, that is, calm delight: - gladness...joy.” The Christian has every reason to be full of “joy” in this life. After all, the source of our joy is Jesus Christ. His love, promises and grace are constant. He is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (13:8). Therefore, if our minds are fixed on the unchangeable Christ rather than the fickle world our joy and gladness should be continuous.
The Christian has every reason to be cheerful in Christ. First of all, because of God’s “amazing grace.” After the shepherd found the lost sheep, the woman found the lost coin and the father found his lost son they all had one common response— joy (Luke 15). Should the hearts of the saved not also be filled with such joy?
We should even rejoice in our testings and afflictions. Such trials only enhance our hope for a better place beyond this world (James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:13).
“Joy” is found in the New Testament in a variety of situations. Forms of the word “joy” are found over 100 times in the New Testament. New converts and aged disciples were filled with joy in great successes during times of peace and deep afflictions when the work of preaching was most tough.
Can it be found in you during the ups and downs of life as you remember the steadfastness of God’s love? Such joy should be a fruit produced in the sincere believer’s life.
February 2008