Our world says that joy is all about having a good time, having what we want, and that it comes from things going well. Even the dictionary defines joy as, “The emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires (Merriam Webster).” But then the question is, what happens when we don’t succeed, when things don’t go well, when we don’t get what we desire? When these things fail, the feeling of joy fades quickly.
Biblical joy isn’t about our earthly wants and desires. It’s about desiring God and what God desires. It’s about freely and fully following a God who loves us, knows us, delights in us, and fills us with a true joy that can only be found in him. Biblical joy is beautifully interwoven in the narrative of the Bible. As a fruit of the Spirit, joy is at the heart of God’s character, modeled by Jesus, and is produced in us through the Holy Spirit. As we strive to remain in close proximity to our joyful God, keep our perspective fixed on him, and live in the purpose that he gives us, he is going to fill us with joy and allow us to rejoice in all things.
