What is joy? Do I know by experiencing it or is it merely a concept, a word that we Christians use carelessly and even assume it’s a given: we should be feeling joy or manifesting joy or understanding joy. Right?
Philippians 1:22a, 24-25
If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. . . . but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith . . .
After all, this is the season when we all say and sing, “joy to the world.” What does it mean? It’s a wish and a blessing, I understand that. But what does this kind of joy look like? Am I capable of recognizing joy? In myself? In others? In the world?
When will I know joy is here?
Some people define joy as “lasting happiness” or a “state of happiness.” Joy in this definition is pleasure then, and gaiety, delight or even satisfaction.
But Paul is talking about joy as something that can grow incrementally. Nehemiah [8:10] says “. . . the joy of the Lord is your strength” while Psalm 16:11 says “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence,. . . .”
Joy and faith work together, as well as joy and strength. These are birthed through Christ as we accept that Spirit within. It’s part of becoming a follower of Christ and a believer. To believe in that Holy Spirit life within is to count on the outcomes. According to Paul, the process of growing joy, faith, and strength are part of the journey and we can count on it.
Our culture is constantly presenting alternatives to this kind of joy. Usually, it’s about the stuff. All the commercials show us: this car will make you happy, this flat screen television will give you hours of delight, these clothes will enhance your feelings of beauty and contentment. Even though we all know these feelings are fleeting, we get sucked into the message. This way is the “wide gate” {Matthew 7:13].
I want joy, true joy. I want it to grow inside me like a time lapse flower unfolding within me.
Meditations from Zion 
Thank you for your insight. I always equate joy with contentment, of which I never lose with Jesus Christ; and, it can only increase as I grow in Christ. Happiness is fleating and is based on the things you mentioned: materials, people, etc. This can change – decrease – as these things let me down. Jesus can never let me down. Therefore, true joy can only increase.
I think contentment is a by-product of joy. Interesting that you use the term “true joy” which makes me think there is a misconception about it.
Thanks for reading . . . appreciate your comments and your thoughts.
I believe that joy is an inside job that can flourish in spite of unfavorable circumstances, but in my experience, it usually requires walking closely with Jesus and a renewing of the mind, to recognize all the moments of joy that constantly surround us.
Thanks for this post and the beautiful time lapse flowering with the soothing music. Lovely enhancement!
I agree. I think it is only joy that can still flourish despite those circumstances. All the other stuff will collapse. Joy is a perception, seeing beyond 3-D . . . seeing sacred other.
Thanks for reading.
You are a source of joy for me, and also a critic (for yourself as well). When you trust your instincts, like acting or clowning, you just respond to what is already there inside waiting to come out. Your Spirit is like that. The joy just comes out of your Spirit.
Sometimes we can over think. You are blessed with a curious and intelligent nature. Trust yourself. Live Loved.
Thanks… Living Loved will bring forth joy for sure.