Joy is a gift that every heart longs for, yet only a few truly experience it. God offers joy freely to those who genuinely trust Him, but many search for it in the wrong places. Wisdom teaches us that joy cannot be found in bars or parties, nor is it linked to wealth or social status. If money could bring joy, we wouldn’t see so many cases of depression among the wealthy.
Many, particularly young people, who are desperate for happiness and peace, turn to substance abuse, only to find themselves in deeper despair. The fleeting euphoria these substances provide is temporary and often leads to negative consequences.
Happiness, unlike joy, is unstable and dependent on constantly shifting conditions, making it more akin to excitement. True joy can be experienced even in difficult times because it is rooted in eternal truths rather than temporary pleasures. The Psalmist clearly states that joy is found in the presence of the LORD (Psalms 16:1). This is a significant reason why joy eludes many; they overlook God, the source of true joy, while seeking peace apart from Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Find God, and you would find joy; embrace the Prince of Peace, and you would find peace.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and the more we engage with the Holy Spirit, the more joy we experience. While God provides joy abundantly, it is our responsibility to choose to rejoice. Even in trials, we are encouraged to find joy (James 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:16). There is no doubt that some of us may be going through some rough patches in life. Answers to the many questions that surround us may seem to elude us. Or perhaps we may be filled with so many expectations and desires for breakthroughs that seem to linger. No matter what it is, we should never allow uncertainties and doubts to take the place of our rejoicing. The Lord Jesus told His disciples to rejoice when they were reviled, persecuted, and falsely accused. And they did! Not many years down the line, we read of them leaving the courtroom, “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41).
Beloved, we are in the days of rejoicing. God is enlarging us and increasing our joy, and we shall rejoice before Him as people rejoice at the harvest and as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder (Isaiah 9:3). It really doesn’t matter what pains we have had in the past; God is wiping away all tears and bringing us joy in the morning (Psalms 30:5). But this joy we must nurture through our increasing knowledge of Him, knowing that our joy increases as we grow in the knowledge of the LORD.
We must remind ourselves that everything will ultimately be well, and our loving Father, who is in our midst as a mighty One who will save, will rejoice over us with gladness (Zephaniah 3:17). We should be open to receiving the joy God offers and protect it from being stolen by negativity. Rejoicing holds power, and a joyful heart is beneficial (Proverbs 17:22), but we must remember that a life of sin often distances us from the joy of the LORD.
Remain blessed
Pastor Jerry Orhue
Senior Pastor, Gracevine Chapel
www.gracevinechapel.org
