“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” (Psalm 98:4).
I will begin today’s message on a note of “JOY”, if I may, dearly beloved, and others. The word, itself, along with associated discussions, instances, meanings and stories are scattered throughout the Bible. Its import is immeasurable because, as a virtue, it is both influential and instrumental in sustaining, growing and strengthening one’s relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Specifically, this applies to your relationship, my relationship and all relationships with the Savior of the world.
A relationship with Christ is based exclusively on a bona fide confession and repentance of sin and true conversion (a radical redirection of lifestyle and steadfast in virtue): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Because of this dramatic, supernatural and praiseworthy gift of salvation and its life transforming work in the heart of every lost soul, Jesus announces to His disciples: “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:10). Furthermore, the psalmist resounds: “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8).
Are the foregoing passages suggesting that the source of joy is beyond worldly pursuits or aspirations? We’ll investigate this notion a bit further, but first, I’d like to address the mystery (so it seems) of the meaning of joy. From a secular viewpoint, and as I’ve discovered over time, both joy and happiness are typically used interchangeably alongside pleasure. Thus far, I know of only one other source that offers extra-Biblical evidence that lends credence to the meaning of joy captured by the Scriptures, and this is found in the work of C.S. Lewis.
In addition to being an atheist during his 20’s, and converting to Christianity some years later, C.S. Lewis is a well-known author and Christian apologist (a defender of the Christian faith). The practice of apologetics, and to whatever extent, is a discipline that should be shared by members of the universal Body of Christ as well. It is compulsory that we stand firm in the faith: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
C.S. Lewis defines joy as an “unsatisfied desire which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction.” He also suggested that it “must be sharply distinguished both from happiness and from pleasure”. It has been said that Lewis was able to find joy, because God served as the source of that joy. Perhaps he was on to something. There’s no hint of emotion in this notion, but satisfaction or contentment seems to supplement or seal its providential purpose.
The joy and contentment of God’s presence will ensure that we will remain secure, satisfied and sufficiently supplied despite surrounding conditions, or circumstances beyond our control. Even amid the acceleration of lawlessness, widespread pestilence or disease and insidious corruption, difficulties and distress. If that weren’t enough, there may even be obstacles I haven’t included. The world reacts by seeking and seizing a myriad of temporal coping mechanisms. I would surmise that some of us have even opted to cope similarly. Have you had enough of not having enough? Are you running out of time, help or have you simply lost your motivation or vigor, as you tune in to this visual of your joy and satisfaction deflating before your very eyes?
The apostle Paul reminds us that we are overcomers: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:10-13).
What invigorating and inspirational words of comfort and consolation! No, not yet? Well, read it again, believe it this time and begin putting it into practice immediately! Paul expresses that he has learned by doing: practical application. In addition, he says that he can do all things because of the indwelling and empowering Christ! We must understand that the enabling is internal and the accomplishing is external.
Think about it this way, persistent external challenges, obstacles and adversities are guaranteed to erode one's state of “happiness". This is inevitable because “happiness depends on what happens.” It’s temporal and external. Whereas, “joy” is found in the Spirit of God, and is both internal and eternal. Consequently, one's state of "joy" is guaranteed to remain unchanged. There is a caveat, however, we must keep our relationship with Christ in check, and ensure that our growth in grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ persists.
One of the most well-known overcomers in the Bible, as the joy he derived from his total dependence on God is noteworthy, is the patriarch Joseph. Below I will provide you with a significantly abbreviated summary of his story (Genesis 37-50). His life, as depicted in the Bible, could have very well been used as a veritable movie-making masterpiece on the rudiments of how to realize preservation, correction, growth, protection and deliverance. However, there was an enormous cost associated with Joseph’s ultimate success and prosperity. That is, Joseph became the quintessential object of unbelievable, unrestrained and evil forces of jealousy, mistreatment, separation from his family, enslavement, false accusations, hatred and retaliation. He was even forgotten about over a period of time during his imprisonment.
Throughout this narrative, the Bible never mentions, nor are there ever any signs or symptoms of outrage, bitterness, hopelessness or threatening conduct on Joseph’s part. Neither does the usage of the actual words “joy” or “contentment” occur in the Joseph narrative, or over the process of Joseph’s “trial by fire”: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-13). Of course, his attitude and actions during the unfolding of these events speak volumes about Joseph exercising a brand of joy and contentment that would qualify as the standard and model to be emulated by all. There are telltale signs which clearly showcase Joseph’s God ordained virtues of joy and contentment. They occur in several instances, and in the following passages I've listed:
Genesis 39:
2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
Genesis 41:
38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
As we bring closure to today’s message, let us collectively cherish and cling to the hope, help and empowering virtues of Joy and Contentment. We have been blessed to be its chosen recipients, and thus we must exercise it with an attitude of gratitude, humility, love and service to God Most High. With all glory, honor and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ, let us also proclaim, declare and celebrate the reason for the rapidly approaching season.
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
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