Joy slipped away from me this week. Heavy sighs were often heard!
A friend’s health turned quickly and this morning he is dying.
A young woman is struggling to live after a catastrophic health event.
I am dealing with my own health issues, though not serious, enough to create some anxiety.
Beyond that that, there is the awful chaos of our election season, the uncertainty about the stability of the world, etc!

It’s not a naturally joyful season for Jerry. I am not whining, nor do I believe myself to be going through anything that is outside the course of normal human experience. We all have days when things including brain chemistry, fatigue, disappointment, and even spiritual opposition hide the sun from our eyes.

But I also know that without the joy of the Lord I will not reflect the goodness of God to others in the way He desires. Knowing that, I am tempted to slip into a kind of religious duty, saying and doing the right things, just because … risking hypocrisy! Dutiful people can look admirable and godly with all their commitment to responsibility. Here is what I truly know – there is JOY in Jesus if we will keep our focus on Him, waiting out the stormy times.

Evidence of the Life of God’s Spirit in us is joy which is not to be confused with happiness, silliness, or mirth. Real joy rests on the assurance that God is truly God and will prepare for us all that we need. A joyless Christian (that was me this week) is not just going through an emotional crisis, he also has a spiritual issue with which he must deal. When Jesus taught about His intimate life-giving connection to us, using the metaphor of the vine and branches, He said that from Him we will draw life and “you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:11, NLT)

Jesus was “a man acquainted with grief, a man of sorrows.” He did weep with those who were broken by disappointment, death, and disease. But He was never in despair. Life has many moments that are filled with sorrow. Death, divorce, sickness, poverty, rejection … it’s a long list of woes. Jesus says that He is with us in those moments as much as in the sunny days when all is well. Will we accept the gift of JOY?

A factor in experiencing joy is giving away the need to control outcomes. If I attempt to be ‘god’ insisting that I write the script for life, frustration will grow and joy will evaporate.

So, how do we live in His joy?

Worship!
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11, NIV) If we are focused only on the needs, the duties, and pressing responsibilities – it is likely that Solomon’s lament – “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” will become our song.

Worship lifts our face to Heaven and allows us to regain a view of God’s glorious works. No wonder the Scripture urges us to “Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” (Psalm 95:1-2, NIV)

Serve!
The paradox of joy is that it never discovered in an endless pursuit of pleasure. Selfishness cuts us off from God’s approval which is our greatest reason for joy! Jesus told a story about men who were entrusted with responsibility. Two of the three were diligent and obedient in their service. Note their commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful . . . Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:23, NKJV) Faithful service allows us to enter God’s joy.

Accept!
Nothing is a greater joy-killer than becoming convinced that happiness lies in being someone else, somewhere else. God is where you are. Joy cannot be found outside of ourselves. It flows from inside of our heart. Jesus told a thirsty woman what I and you need to hear: “the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:14, NLT)

Will we pray to be fully alive in our current situation, accepting His grace; or will we remain restless and joyless in our discontent. Those who are His beloved children can turn to Him and find help, strength, and resources. He gives grace for the journey. Accept it and there will be joy even in the trials of life. joy.

Here’s a word from the Word, our reminder of joy in the Lord.
“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.

Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,
who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols.”  (Psalm 40:2-4, NLT)
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I thought of an older song that has encouraged me in the past. May this help us to find joy today.

Mourning Into Dancing

You have turned my mourning into dancing, Lord
Now my feet are filled with your praise
You have clothed my spirit with a robe of joy
You’ve cast my sorrow away

For Your anger last but a moment, Lord
And my tears endure for the night
But Your favor lasts for a lifetime, Lord
My joy returns with the morning light
For . . .

You have turned my mourning into dancing, Lord
Now my feet are filled with your praise
You have clothed my spirit with a robe of joy
You’ve cast my sorrow away

All my foes lose heart when they hear my voice
For I speak in Jesus’ Name
They turn back in fear at the sound of praise
I’ll not keep silent, I must proclaim
That . . .

You have turned my mourning into dancing, Lord
Now my feet are filled with your praise
You have clothed my spirit with a robe of joy
You’ve cast my sorrow away

Words and music by John G. Elliott
Copyright 1989 LCS Songs (a div. of Lorenz Creative Services)
/Charlie Monk Music. All rights reserved.

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Video at https://www.youtube.com/@JerScott55