Christians are meant to be joyful people. “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). I’ve sometimes struggled to understand joy. Does joy require optimism to a fault—ignoring problems in fear of negativity? While thinking of times when I’ve felt joyful, I mainly imagined events or moments which seemed like fun distractions from “real life.” Understanding joy feels impossible in a world with skyrocketing statistics of depression, anxiety, conflict, and unrest.
Jesus invites us to experience life in a rich, overflowing, abundant way (John 10:10). Biblical joy must be innately spiritual. It is neither hopelessly optimistic nor a simple, fun distraction. Rather, true joy defines the Christian’s lived experience as a child of God. It rests within the heart consciously wrapped by the love of Jesus and guarded in His peace, which surpasses natural means of understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Joyful people encourage when they could complain. “Do all things without complaining and disputing” (Philippians 2:14). We cannot ignore problems, but we should not wear them as glasses! Look for the good in others. Pair corrections with hope. Know the power of appealing when you might demand (Philemon 8-9). And if you won’t open your heart to someone, don’t open your mouth to them either. Pursue peace by building more than you tear down (Romans 14:19).
Joyful people pay attention to spiritual victories. Joy begins when we acknowledge, by faith, the reality of true redemption (Acts 8:8, 39). Personally invested in the gospel, we find joy in seeing others turn to Jesus for the same gift (Acts 15:3). We then experience joy in watching people walk with Jesus and grow in faith (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20; 3 John 4). Joy resides with heavenly treasures, not in earthly storehouses. View success in life with spiritual and selfless clarity.
Joyful people treat their future positively. Without glossing over the trials of the journey, you can live with complete confidence in the good ending of the story. Jesus endured the cross “for the joy that was set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). He wrestled with the pain without forgetting the promises. “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” not pretending the trials themselves are happy, but “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3). Trials are opportunities to strengthen our grip on God with more patient trust. Let your Father hold you, and find peace in clinging to Him. Paul said, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
Joyful people love God and Jesus. In all of us there lives a little child who stares in wonder at the skies and stars; adoration should then pour from our hearts when we see their Maker and ours. We find profound joy in learning that He is truly all we need (Philippians 4:11-13). Of Jesus Christ, Peter said, “whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:9). You will not discover joy by loving the temporary things of this life more—only disappointment and an empty aching for even more. But in pursuing God through Jesus, you will find the deepest longings of your heart fulfilled eternally. So, grow your love for God and His things. “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
Life is hard. Perseverance is hard. Joy is hard, too. I still struggle to feel joyful sometimes, but while I follow Jesus, I will always understand why I can rejoice. Turn away from whatever things suck your joy, especially sins and their empty promises. Less of them, more of Him. Embrace the heart of Jesus, and He will give you rest—for His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).
Zeal For Your House 