Joy

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

Joy is at the heart of true worship. When we feel joy at the core of our being and look up to heaven and praise a God who is good, that is worshiping in spirit and in truth. Joy is not trivial or trite. The strength that it gives is essential in the work of loving deeply. It may seem a bit selfish to believe that at the center God imparts joy to the faithful, as if our own personal happiness reigns supreme. But strength comes out of this sense of wellbeing, strength enough to truly glorify God. Nobody should look at us and reason that we are good, that somehow, we have it all together. Instead, our lives should point to God’s goodness! The focus is always on the creator, the sustainer, the imparter of joy.

Paul wrote Philippians while in prison while awaiting possible execution. Imagine the situation. How would that feel? Surprisingly, Paul felt gratitude and joy. In the short book of Philippians, the words joy and rejoice are highlighted fourteen times, giving this book its affectionately positive title The Book of Joy. In the next verse (4: 5) joy imparts gentleness, or encourages it, for God is present even in our struggles. This presence relieves anxiety (4: 6) and gives peace (4: 7). All this is needed to be a strong witness.

The earliest followers embodied this remarkable witness. Though many of them were martyred, they left an indelible impression about God’s goodness and the strength he provides. In prison, they were not fearful or morose. On the contrary, they were filled with joy, singing songs of praise right up until the end. This witness was powerful, leaving an attractive legacy which exploded into mass conversion. The Gospel spread at a remarkable rate.

Would you feel guilty asking God for joy? Don’t! Joy is the power of God to do all things. Joy is the energy behind genuine praise. Believe it or not, God wants joy for you. The good news is that you don’t have to start or sustain it. In proper time God imparts joy. He only asks that you use it to care for others.