Complete Joy

Joy is a deep, abiding inner rejoicing promised to those who abide in Christ.

John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

Joy does not depend on circumstances because it rests in God's sovereign control.

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God, that is, for those who are called according to His purpose, all things are working together for good.

Nehemiah 8:10: The joy of the Lord is your strength.

C.S. Lewis defines joy as,

...an unsatisfied desire, which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction. I call it Joy, which is here a technical term and must be sharply distinguished both from happiness and from pleasure. Joy (in my sense) has indeed one characteristic, and one only, in common with them; the fact that anyone who has experienced it will want it again. Lewis, C S. Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life. 1955. San Francisco, Harperone, 2017.

How can we experience joy when our world seems to be falling apart, and there is pain and suffering? We begin by remembering that joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit; therefore, we realize any joy we find will spring forth from a heart that the Holy Spirit indwells.

Psalm 16:11 Thou will show me the path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand, there are pleasures forevermore.

I have longed for this 'fullness of joy' since I was very young and found this verse. During tribulation and sadness, I have struggled to understand how there could be any joy in this life.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But let endurance have its full effect so you may mature and complete, lacking nothing.

A joyful heart may seem impossible during trials, but as you pray through your affliction, ask for wisdom to use it correctly. Pray for wisdom that will guide you through the managing of your Spirit and the management of your adversity. Ask! and it shall be given. He will provide you with the ability to rise above trials and opposition. Keep steady in your mind. The spiritual and eternal value of afflictions and wisdom will be found.

1 Peter 1:6-9 You greatly rejoice in this, even though you have to suffer various kinds of trial for a little while, so that your genuine faith, which is more valuable than gold that perishes when tested by fire, may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus, the Messiah, is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with indescribable and glorious joy because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The Christian's joy is remembering the happiness laid up for him, which is incorruptible; it cannot be taken away. In your darkest days of overwhelming sadness and grief, God's joy is there if you choose it over bitterness, anger, and sorrow. Choose joy every day - no matter what.

Romans 15:13 Now may God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.