Finding Joy these days can be a challenge. I know I have to remind myself of a few things from time to time just to be able to experienced joy. Some of that also has to do with the fact that the biblical definition of joy is not what most people think of as joy. For a long time, I thought joy was only that bubbly feeling of being giddy and happy.
The fuller meaning of joy is, “a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope.”* This is more than a passing feeling, but something more substantial that can sustain us in grief, troubles, and trials.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength,” is a verse people often use in an attempt to help others to “buck up.” Maybe if we understand the context better, it might make a bit more sense.
In the days of Nehemiah, Ezra the priest was reading The Word of God to the people. It made them very sad and they began to cry with grief because they were not living the way God wanted them to. Ezra and the leaders explained The Word to them, including the mercy of God. While they were still grieving Nehemiah stood up and told them to go home. Prepare a feast and share it with others in need. He added, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10b
The people did go home and enjoyed great feasts. They appear to have learned something that Isaiah spoke of years before. “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 Here we see that confidence aspect of joy the definition gives. They accepted mercy, returning to God, and it built their confidence, not in themselves, but in their gracious God.
James also has something to say about Joy. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2 Really? On the face of it, that does not make sense. Fortunately, he went on to explain that when we press through troubles and trials, we develop faith and endurance. And I will add character. These qualities make us more like Christ, which is the ultimate goal.
Finding joy can be easy sometimes, but it also takes a lifetime to grow. Joy is often a light hearted and fun feeling, yet it is also the solid result of our faith. With the joy of contentment, confidence, and hope, we will not be shaken. Like the woman in Proverbs 31, we can laugh at the time to come, because we trust our Creator.
—
With that recreated, I can share that I had completed this post earlier today. Then with two strokes on the keyboard, I lost it ALL! Yep! My first reaction was to slump my shoulders and try to find a way to retrieve the hours of work. But no, that was not to be. So, I burst into laughter as I remembered all I had just written. I was settled, confident and hopeful. The contentment took a few minutes to follow. And it did. The belly laugh helped!
I bless you with the Joy of the Lord as your strength!
