The Advent of Joy | Joy In The Storm
The words joy and happiness often become used interchangeable in our common vernacular. We ascribe joy to things that make us feel good and then weep when the supposed joy has subsided. Joy, though, that fades this quickly is no joy at all. Happiness is a natural reaction to the circumstances of our life whereas joy is more of a state of being. This is not to downplay the importance of happiness or imply that no one should be happy, but rather that there is a deeper than happiness.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4, ESV)
At first, counting the trials and tribulations as joy would seem to be a ridiculous notion. Yet, it is exactly in this moment where we find the differentiation between joy and happiness. You should not be happy during trials and tribulations but joy is not ruled out. Happiness is reliant on the circumstance in which a person finds themselves. Joy, however, digs deeper than the present circumstance to see the purpose and the foundation in which circumstances are built on. We look to the joy of the Lord for all sources of our strength as we endure every circumstance we find ourselves. In doing so, we find the joy in each circumstance by bearing witness to the omnipresence of God to impact His sovereign rule in every aspect of our lives.
The Joy Of The Lord
Strength has never been intended to be connected with a person’s ability to push through any circumstance. Rather, our strength comes from our ability to reside in the Lord and trust in His unending strength as we endure any circumstance. “And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:9-10, ESV). The word of the Lord and the law given to the people had not been a source of mourning for the people of God, although they absolutely stood condemned by it, but it had been an opportunity to stand in the self-revelation of God to His people. Now, in the face of difficult circumstances of needing to rebuild the nation of God, the people of God needed the reminder that God abides with them still, revealing His word, His presence, and His strength to His people.
The coming of Jesus Christ meant the coming of joy into all the world. With the birth of this child, the presence of God that brings life entered into the world and the effects of HIs presence permeated every aspect of our lives. Where our own strength fails in the midst of terrible and difficult circumstances, the joy of the Lord abides. We do no look inward for strength but we look to the joy of the Lord to invade every aspect of our day to day as He establishes our eternity in Him. There is no situation too big that the presence of God cannot be felt and there is no situation too small that God will not still pursue. Knowing the the Lord gives strength and it is His joy to do so, enables us to approach any circumstance knowing that we are never alone.
The Joy of Persevering
Thus, when we know that God is will us always, we can take joy ins the midst of our circumstances. James, as he writes his epistles knows this full well, seeking to eagerly explains the impact of the presence of God on a people in turmoil. Rather than falling in to dismay in the face of trials, troubles, and persecutions, they can instead take great joy. The perseverance that comes from being in the victory Christ. Through the trials and the testing of our faith comes a maturity that stems from the joy of God’s presence in our life. Through the difficulties we become forced to make the decision to allow God’s presence to actively invade our life. Anything we face, God’s presence can become know.
In the face of difficulty times, the Christian can bring joy. Just as Christ did not enter into a perfect situation, the witness of the Christian to the greatness of God comes in the face of adversity. Furthermore, Christ brought joy with Him in His coming, declaring the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death now and forever. The more we become like Christ, representing the joy to the world, the more we will find our own personal fulfillment and purpose in Jesus Christ. We can take our situations head on knowing that the joy of the Lord is our strength and that we will persevere in faith. We can stand firm in the truth and joy of God’s presence while others see the witness to the goodness of God in our lives. Trials produce perseverance because God came in the flesh making a way for His people to deal with the effects of sin, conquering all who stand against Him, and welcoming us to be with Him forever.
About The Author
Daniel Burton is the founder of The Gospel Outpost. He is passionate about discipleship and seeing people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. To find out more about him, check out his Author Page.
