Joy by David D. of USA

What does it mean to be filled with Joy?

In Psalm 9:2, David says that he “will be filled with joy because of you [God].”

Again, in Psalm 43:4 it says, “Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.”

In Psalm 70:4 David says, “But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you.”

In James 1:2 we are told to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind.”

The book of Psalms is filled with passages where the psalmists tell of their joy as a result of their relationship with God. This same relationship with God is what gives strength to the believer when James says to consider it joy when we face trials.

Because of a deeply rooted relationship with God based on our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can know joy.  Joy is not the same as happiness.  Happiness is merely an outward expression of a moment, but Joy is the inward resolution that “it is well with my soul” because Jesus has called me out, set me apart, redeemed me from my past and given me a purpose for my future.

Does this mean that every day will be cheery and bright? Not at all. We are not promised anything like this. Jesus warns us that following him will bring trials of many kinds (John 16:33) and He goes on to encourage us to “take heart because I have overcome the world.” He is reminding us that our joy comes from Him and His completed work, despite what comes our way. We don’t always have to be happy, but we can be filled with joy knowing that Jesus will never leave nor forsake us, He will be our constant source of strength and that He calls us to join Him in completing His work among all peoples on earth.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I pray that those reading these words will know you and know deep abiding joy because of their relationship with you. May that joy sustain them and help them stand when the trials of this life come, knowing that You will never leave our side.