A question came up in our Sunday morning class several weeks ago: “How do I have joy in Christianity? What does it even mean to have joy in Christianity?” This question was asked by a long-time Christian, someone whom I respect very much. And it got me thinking: “Yes, what DOES it mean to have joy in the Gospel, in Christ, and in living the Christian life?”
In our Christian walk, just as in the rest of life, “joy” can be different at different times. There are the times when joy and its source are very obvious. For example, Acts 8:39 says that the Ethiopian Eunuch “went on his way rejoicing.” Why? He had heard the Gospel, obeyed it, and was now in a right relationship with God. It is something that affected him personally.
Other times, there is joy in the accomplishment of others. For example, in
I Thessalonians 2:19-20, Paul takes joy in the obedience and growth in the Gospel of the Thessalonians: “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is in not you? For you are our glory and our joy.”
And still other times, we have to think about it in order to find the joy. James says starting in James 1:2, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”
What?! Are troubles supposed to make us happy, to make us joyful? Read on: “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 nothing.” These trials are meant by God to make us better.
Sometimes, being joyful requires some hindsight and reflection. Sometimes, it takes a little thoughtfulness to see the action of God in our lives. But the knowledge of that action can bring us joy. The wise man probably did not find joy in the rains and floods beating upon his house, but he did have joy in knowing that his house withstood them.
So, this coming week, take some time to reflect on things in your life. Has God been good to you? Rejoice! Are you feeling particularly close to God? Rejoice! Do you see where you or someone else have grown in the Lord? Rejoice! Are you going through a hard time? Have faith that God still loves you and rejoice! Have you been through something hard and can look back and see how the hand of God has held you up and made you better? Rejoice!
“Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say ‘Rejoice!’”
-Pat Bradford
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