Joy is something so much deeper and richer than happiness. Happiness is fleeting. Joy is something we can experience, even in the midst of sorrow.
So biblically, how do we walk in joy, and where does it come from?
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. No you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. Obtaining the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9)
Joy is rooted in knowing who God is.
When we are in a relationship with Christ, our identity is found in that. There’s such freedom in this knowledge. There are several places in scripture where God uses the “I Am” statement about who he is. He says he is the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, True-vine, etc. Walking in the confidence of these truths produces joy in our lives that is unexplainable.
Realize Joy is a fruit of the spirit.
Therefore, only the spirit can produce this virtue. John 15 says, “Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I and him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5. Being connected to The Vine and knowing that God the branch we can produce fruit that is not explainable in any other way.
Spend time in his presence.
We must never oversimplify studying the word of God and being in constant prayer. Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit requires us to stay connected to that power, otherwise, the enemy can feed us lies and keep us feeling defeated.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
“Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105)
A heart of thanksgiving and gratitude leads to Joy.
It is most often that God‘s kindness leads us to repentance. Out of repentance, Joy is produced. The natural response to A Heart of joy is true worship.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone the Lord is at hand. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding Will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-6)
Placing our trust in God brings joy.
Joy comes when we can lay it all down, and trust the Lord with everything. (This includes our fears, worries, doubts, etc). We have a father who loves us more than we can imagine, and more powerful than we can comprehend. Settle in your heart, God wants to restore your joy.(Psalm40:4)
“Lord restore me to the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:12)