It is a natural human inclination to think that living through trials and negative circumstances would not be an occasion for joy. Joy is a choice!
But the Lord is the originator of true joy. James tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds. But what is joy? Do we have a definition for joy? And what in the world could James possibly have meant? After all, tribulations seem like anything but joyous occasions. The process of learning to respond with joy during times of trials in life must begin with a conscious awareness that God is at work in our lives and that He has a tangible purpose for why we may be experiencing these trials.
In other words, if we have put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as our own personal savior Romans , and if we believe that His Word teaches us that God is at work in our lives Philippians , then we will come to the logical conclusion that trials, suffering, and difficult times in our lives are ultimately designed by God and that He has a specific purpose for us in mind.
The Bible makes this point in this same passage. The text is clear. If Christ is in me and I am in Him, that relationship is not a sometimes experience. The Christian is always in the Lord and the Lord is always in the Christian, and that is always a reason for joy. Even if the Christian cannot rejoice in his circumstances, if he finds himself passing through pain, sorrow, or grief, he still can rejoice in Christ.
We rejoice in the Lord, and since He never leaves us or forsakes us, we can rejoice always. Teaching Series. Conference Messages. Tabletalk Magazine. Gift Certificates. Ligonier Ministries. Supporting Ligonier. Renewing Your Mind. Ligonier Connect. Reformation Study Bible. Please note that due to supply issues and shipping delays, your order may take longer than normal to arrive this holiday season.
Thank you for your support and patience. By Randy Alcorn. Email address. We do have sorrow. This world is full of things that make God sad, but He simultaneously has a happiness that is based in and flows out of Himself.
So I think we need to not look at sorrow and happiness as opposites that cannot co-exist. They can and do co-exist. Is Happiness Different from Joy?
I think the first thing we need to realize is that historically there was no such distinction in the church and in the English language. They are synonyms with overlapping meanings. We deeply appreciate our customers. Thank you for being a vital part of our ministry! Joy, on the other hand, is a deep sense of pleasure, delight, gladness and well-being that is independent of circumstance.
Joy flows from a deeply rooted conviction that not only does God cause all things to work together for the good of those who love Him; but inherent in joy is the sense of delight in God that can cause our heart to smile even if things on the outside seem to be falling apart. Perhaps, you feel as if you have lost your joy; how do you get your joy back? God can cause our heart to smile even if things on the outside seem to be falling apart. Do you remember when you got saved?
You were filled with joy. Every day His desire is that we would know His joy in our hearts in such a way that it becomes obvious to people around us… especially those who live with us!
PSALM , You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, consider His incredible kindness, celebrate how great and powerful God is and you will experience His joy.
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