I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy....

I love the Christian life. I love that even though I might have trials and tribulations, even though I might be cast about in a storm, and even though I might be persecuted, I’ve got a priceless treasure that can’t be taken—joy.

Notice I didn’t say “happiness.” Happiness depends on the circumstances. I can’t recall a single personal trial or tribulation that I was happy about. But I still had joy. Joy comes from above. It’s one of the spiritual blessings God has given us (Ephesians 1:3). It’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

Joy surpasses human comprehension. When Jesus was headed for the cross, bruised and bloodied, ridiculed and scorned, a painful crucifixion awaiting Him, we’re told He endured it “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2 NASB). He knew His present circumstance wasn’t all there was. His life didn’t consist merely of happenings on earth—even though that “happening” was death! His mind was set on things above, on the plans and purposes of God.

The night before His crucifixion, joy was on Jesus’ mind as He taught His disciples. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11). That very same night, He also told them: “Therefore you too now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one takes your joy away from you” (John 16:22).

I’ll repeat that last assertion: “...no one takes your joy from you.”

“Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength,” Nehemiah 8:10 tells us. Proverbs says, “A joyful heart is good medicine” (17:22). God didn’t give us joy just to feel giddy. It fortifies us. It helps us endure. Like Jesus, believers know that this life on earth isn’t all there is, no matter the trial. We’ve got an eternity set before us. We’ve got an Almighty God before whom no scheme from hell can stand. And we’ve got a promise that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Remember the kids’ song, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart….” Yep, it’s down in your heart. But are you walking in it?

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me a wealth of spiritual treasure that includes joy. Help me to focus, not on my circumstance, but on things above. May my joy always be full, in Jesus’ name, Amen.