JOY to the World

JOY is an attitude of the heart that we adopt, not because of favorable or happy circumstances but because of hope in God's love and promise of peace.

“Go, eat rich food, and drink something sweet,” he said to them, “and send portions of this to any who have nothing ready! This day is holy to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the JOY from the Lord is your strength!”

—Number 8:10 (CEB)

A starting point for JOY

JOY is a happy word. Who doesn’t like happy words?

JOY is such a great word that it has even become a name—most generally, a female name in English.

JOY, however, is much more than being happy or in a good mood. It’s more than a smiley face or a sunny, cheerful disposition.

There are several “JOYful” words in biblical Hebrew—simcha, sason, or giyl. In the Greek New Testament, too, we have khara, euphrosune, or agalliasis.

Languages have multiple words for things that are important. In Indonesia, where rice is a foundational staple of one’s diet, there are at least five words to describe rice. In American English, we have one. JOY is an important concept, and each word used to describe it comes with its unique nuance and flavor.

Each word has its own unique nuance, but they all refer to the feeling of joy and happiness.

• What kinds of things in your life bring you JOY?

• What is it about these things that help you feel this way?

JOY in the Bible

People find joy in the beautiful and good things in life. Consider Psalm 104—

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
    I will sing praises to my God while I’m still alive.
Let my praise be pleasing to him;
    I’m REJOICING in the Lord!

—Psalm 104:33-34 (CEB)

In Scripture, we see joy at weddings (Jer 33:11), in children (Prov 23:24-25), and even in having a good friend (Prov 27:9).

At the same time, we live in a world filled with selfishness, loss, and death. Life is not all smiles, laughter, and happiness. Because of this, biblical understanding of JOY gives us an important reminder:

JOY is an attitude of the heart that we adopt, not because of favorable or happy circumstances but because of hope in God's love and promise of peace.

The Israelites sang for JOY in the middle of the desert because God had rescued them and promised them a new home (Psalm 105:43). Our JOY is not determined by our circumstances today but by the promise of tomorrow.

Later, as Israel suffered under oppression from foreign empires, Isaiah looked ahead to the day when God would raise up a deliver, like Moses, to once again rescue God’s people. On that day, the prophet writes, those rescued would return to Zion with great shouts and eternal JOY (Isaiah 51:11)!

• What are your life circumstances right now?

• Are you seeking JOY even amid less-than-idea circumstances?

• Are you living in JOY, paying forward the blessings of God in your life to others?

REJOICE, Daughter Zion! Shout, Israel!
        REJOICE and exult with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem.
The Lord has removed your judgment;
        he has turned away your enemy.
The Lord, the king of Israel, is in your midst;
        you will no longer fear evil.
On that day, it will be said to Jerusalem:
        Don’t fear, Zion.
        Don’t let your hands fall.
The Lord your God is in your midst—a warrior bringing victory.
        He will create calm with his love;
        he will REJOICE over you with singing.

—Zephaniah 3:14-17 (CEB)

Ever singing, march wе onward
Victors in the midst of strife
JOYful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life

—Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (Henry Van Dyke, 1907)
(Rend Collective version below)

Jesus JOY

Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, JOYous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”

—Luke 2:8-14 (CEB)

Jesus’ birth was “good news” that brought to the entire world—all people—great JOY! He repeats the same message of joy that transcends our circumstances and looks forward to what’s ahead—

 “Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. Be full of JOY and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven.

—Matthew 5:11-12a (CEB)

The Christian communities were well-known for being “full of joy” (Acts 13:52), even in times of persecution, when circumstances were neither beneficial nor pleasurable.

Paul, writing from prison, reminds the church to “be glad in the Lord” (Phil 3:1). James encourages his readers to consider their difficulties as “occasions for JOY” (Jms 1:2, CEB). When Jesus is present, there is reason for JOY, no matter the circumstance.

This does not mean we must suppress our sorrow, turn our frown upside-down, and never let ‘em see us cry. Being joyful always does not mean wearing a smiley face mask or refusing to be vulnerable.

Instead, we must become comfortable letting sorrow, mourning, and lament flow through river beds of joy. Even in tears, we can look ahead with bleary eyes to the promise of what lies ahead.

This is JOY.

• Do you have the JOY of Jesus in your life today, or are your circumstances making it difficult to find joy?

• Where is your HOPE today? Do you believe that Jesus can bring PEACE into your life?

• Ask the Lord to help you see your circumstances as “occasions for joy” today.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy

—Joy to the World (Isaac Watts, 1719)
(Pentatonix version below)

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