The Joy Factor

The Joy Factor

I believe that a level of contentment is somewhat essential to life – but do we often seek it out? Joy is listed as a fruit of the Spirit – yet what do we do when we find ourselves living without it? 

We have a tendency in life to compare our current experiences with past experiences with a measure of nostalgia. Even with that in mind, there are many factors that confirm to me that joy is harder to find today, than perhaps ten years ago. Studies have shown that anti-depressant use increased dramatically between 2010 and 2020. But then, when I think about the concept of love as I wrote about it in a previous post, I may consider that love is on a similar downward trend. The world we live in carries many burdens, each one robs us of our joy, peace and even love.

However, when I look at joy in the bible, I see two realities on display: exhorted joy and innate joy. Both are true, and I believe are ours to receive. 

Exhorted joy

‘Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!’ (Phil 4:4)

‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’ (1 Thess 5:16-18)

For Paul to encourage people to rejoice is to acknowledge that, for some, joy may not be life’s normal experience. Paul is encouraging his readers to choose joy. He is not suggesting, however, to live in denial; but to look upon the Lord who is always a reason to rejoice.

‘For I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.’ (Phil 4:10-13)

Comparison robs joy – whether it is comparing today to yesterday, or our lot with our neighbours’. Instead of looking to what we don’t have, or allowing the stresses in life to be our chief focus, we can find our joy in what we do have… God. The everlasting source of lovingkindness, the unquenchable fire in our hearts, the unending source of the Holy Spirit and the one who purchased our lives at His own great expense. It is not denying reality to consider only this joy – it is the greatest and most important reality that extends well beyond our current experiences. It is not forcing joy, but allowing it. 

Innate Joy

Innate joy, however, does not need to be exhorted or encouraged. It simply exists. Like a well overflowing, innate joy exists in communion with the Holy Spirit. But it does not necessarily exist in the natural world in any lasting form. After instructing His disciples on abiding in the Father, Jesus explained, ‘These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.’ (John 15:11).

It is for this reason that joy is a fruit of the Spirit: for life in the Spirit is unburdened by the doubts and fears of this world, leaving only the Joy that is found in the Lord.

‘Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.’ (1 Peter 1:8-9)

If you find yourself needing external help for joy, don’t despair – we all do from time to time. But: that help comes free in God as we look past our situations. In Christ, there is no hopelessness. But it may take a shift in perspective and focus to find that hope. For some, that may take time and practice – even healing. Joy is not always tied to circumstances, or even outcomes. But joy also does not ignore the need to grieve and heal too – if you find yourself in such a season as that consider talking with someone about it.

On a personal note: I have known that I have needed to write this for a week or so, yet I kept putting it off. I have known seasons of innate joy – even through some incredible trials and hardships. Yet, lately I have found myself distracted by the things that have robbed my joy. I did not feel myself qualified to write. Joy has not been my normal state, and in some ways perhaps I lacked love too.

Yet, as I started reading God’s Word, I found myself choosing joy. As I read Paul’s exhortations, I have found myself receiving joy once more – and knowing that the joy I now have can carry me through the same hardships that tried to rob it.

As with anything in faith, if we know we have it, it is ours to have.

Fear and doubt can rob that, but only if we let it take our gaze. When our gaze is turned to Him, we have the greatest reason for our joy. His love never ends. 

I hope that encourages you.

Kevin Vawser