What would you rather have, happiness or joy? Some people equate the two, but there are distinctive differences. Happiness is fleeting, based on different situations, events and states of mind. But joy has nothing to do with the situation. Instead, joy is reflective of whether or not the person in the midst of the situation is relying on his own power or the power of the Holy Spirit. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5, and as believers we will exhibit all of the fruits of the Spirit at least part of the time. Joy is most apparent in people who are in the midst of trial, and points directly to the glory of God, for without Him, we would show discouragement rather than His strength in those difficult times. Some people pray for trials to end, but godly people pray for strength to endure the trials.
that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.
2 Corinthians 8:2
Maturity of the believer can add to that joy, for with maturity comes the experience of learning to rely on the Lord’s power is the midst of hardship. Job certainly endured more than anyone in the Old Testament, including the death of all 10 of his children in one day! His faith in the Lord never wavered, and God’s strength allowed Job to endure. After that time, Job was able to reflect upon what God had done in his darkest hour. It was faith-building, for Job understood that if God helped him through the most difficult time in his life that the He also was willing and able to help him in less difficult times. In the New Testament, Jesus suffered most of all, and retained His joy throughout. Most people respond with something along the lines of, “Yeah, but I am not Jesus!” Truly, we are not Jesus, but He dwells inside of us. Paul suffered greatly, and his joy remained steadfast, due to the presence of God within him!
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Peace in the midst of success is easy to attain, yet peace in the midst of trial is impossible, without God’s hand. That is why it surpasses understanding. We are called to stand on God’s promises and to endure whatever He places in our paths. If our lives are a sweet-smelling aroma to the Lord, and to the broken and dying world around us, God can use our lives to reach others. If the world crushes the rose petals of your life, we should let the fragrance reach many! When Jesus came into this world, He brought us joy in abundance, as no matter what happens here, His children will be with Him for all eternity!
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-12
The joy we have been given is great joy, abundant, powerful and enduring. Birds sing their joyful song each morning, as God’s mercies are new each morning. We should not be sidetracked by the perceived difficulties. When we look back, it rarely is as difficult as we thought it was at the time. An old adage says, “what does not kill you makes you stronger.” If your confidence is in God any trial can be handled with joy, for He is our strength!
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
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