DEFINITON OF THE DAY (JOY PT2)

As Jesus’ death approached, He told His followers that soon they would be like a woman in labor, whose sorrow would be turned into joy (John 16:20-22). Later they understood when the dark sorrow of the cross gave way to the joy of the resurrection (Luke 24:41). Viewed from this perspective, eventually they came to see that the cross itself was necessary for the joy to become real (Heb 12:2). Because of His victory and the promise of His abiding presence, the disciples could rejoice even after the Lord’s ascension (Luke 24:52).

The book of Acts tells how joy continued to characterize those who followed Jesus. After Philip preached in Samaria, the people believed and “there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:8). After the work of Paul and Barabas in Antioch of Pisidia, “the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52 HCSB). Paul and Barnabas reported such conversions to other believers, “and they created great joy among all the brothers” (Acts 15:3). After the conversion of the Philippian jailer, he “rejoiced because he had believed God with his entire household” (Acts 16:34).

Joy in the Christian life is in direct proportion as believers walk with the Lord. They can rejoice because they are in the Lord (Phili 4:4). Joy is a fruit of a Spirit-led life (Gal 5:22). Sin in a believer’s life robs the person of joy (Ps 51:7-8, 12).

When a person walks with the Lord, the person can continue to rejoice even when troubles come. Jesus spoke of those who could rejoice even when persecuted and killed (Matt 5:12). Paul wrote of rejoicing in suffering because of the final fruit that would result (Rom 5:3-5). Both Peter and James also echoed the Lord’s teachings about rejoicing in troubles (1 Pet 1:6-8; James 1:2).

Joy in the Lord enables people to enjoy all that God has given. They rejoice in family (Prov 5:18), food (1 Tim 4:3-5), celebrations (Duet 16:13-15), fellowship (Philip 4:1). They share with other believers the joys and sorrows of life: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15 HCSB).