Joy

A short summary of what Joy is.

Reading: John 3:29

John 3:29 CSB

29 He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete.

A State, not an emotion

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Joy

Closely related to gladness and happiness, although joy is more a state of being than an emotion; a result of choice. One of the fruits of the spirit (

You may feel emotion when something happens. Something good happens, you’re happy. Something bad happens, you’re sad.

emotions come and go

Joy is much deeper and more stable. It is something that is deeply rooted. Joy should be a state of being. Something very resilient.

zen state?

focused athlete

It is also commanded as an action regardless of your feelings, especially in times of adversity. Paul would always focus on joy in his letters to the churches. He had it even when imprisoned.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 4

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

A result of choice

We choose to focus on gratitude, hope, and faith even when we are suffering.

It is a spiritual discipline, which is why it is listed in as a fruit of the Spirit. Just like the other things, joy grows over time depending on our spiritual choices.

Joy does not depend on our feelings. Doesn’t mean you’re always happy, it just means you don’t let negative emotions dominate over your life.

A big example is grieving. You can lose a loved one and be totally lost in grievance and sadness, which takes over some people’s lives. But you and I have joy because we know there is something beyond the present.

What is it associated with?

It is often associated with religious acts, victory, and salvation.

Finding something lost of experiencing healing.

The source is primarily God. God’s nearness, forgiveness, love, and his promises. You find this in the old testament and new.

Conclusion

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Cultural Relevance

Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit; it is expected of Christians because it is the natural result of having received salvation. The joy comes on account of what Christ has done, irrelevant of whatever other circumstances are happening in one’s life.