“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy…” [Galatians 5:22]
The dictionary definition of joy tells us that joy is an emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something good or satisfying. In contrast, the Bible teaches us that joy is not a fleeting happiness or spiritual giddiness but an inward consistent satisfaction, a deep inner contentment. The dictionary’s definition tells us that joy is based upon circumstances which are ever changing while the Biblical concept of joy is based upon our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Joy is possible in spite of circumstances because we realize the events of life are not the result of blind fate, chance or luck. Our joy recognizes that with God all of life’s events have purpose. James said, “...count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations ” [James 1:2] and then Paul said we are to “rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, Rejoice” [Philippians 4:4].
If anyone understood this concept it would have been the Apostle Paul. He endured beatings, stoning, imprisonments, shipwrecks and much more during his life. He was able to say “rejoice in the Lord always.” He understood that whatever happened to him was for his ultimate good and God’s glory. His joy was based upon his relationship with Jesus Christ not his circumstances.
“Far from being a product of circumstances, joy is ‘spiritual fruit,’ caused not by anything but rather a Person – God Himself.” [Kenneth A. Epp]
The dictionary definition of joy tells us that joy is an emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something good or satisfying. In contrast, the Bible teaches us that joy is not a fleeting happiness or spiritual giddiness but an inward consistent satisfaction, a deep inner contentment. The dictionary’s definition tells us that joy is based upon circumstances which are ever changing while the Biblical concept of joy is based upon our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Joy is possible in spite of circumstances because we realize the events of life are not the result of blind fate, chance or luck. Our joy recognizes that with God all of life’s events have purpose. James said, “...count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations ” [James 1:2] and then Paul said we are to “rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, Rejoice” [Philippians 4:4].
If anyone understood this concept it would have been the Apostle Paul. He endured beatings, stoning, imprisonments, shipwrecks and much more during his life. He was able to say “rejoice in the Lord always.” He understood that whatever happened to him was for his ultimate good and God’s glory. His joy was based upon his relationship with Jesus Christ not his circumstances.
“Far from being a product of circumstances, joy is ‘spiritual fruit,’ caused not by anything but rather a Person – God Himself.” [Kenneth A. Epp]
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