Watching the news each morning as I sip my cup of coffee seems worthwhile, since I’m up to date with world events, but it also leaves me with a distinctly “unjoyful” feeling.
General life seems ladened with possibilities for lack of joy and many people who are trying to find it. Perhaps one of the reasons why many non-Christians love Christmas so much is that it’s full of hope, joy and festivity.
My family is obsessed with dog reels. The cuteness of cocker spaniels, and golden retrievers delight our souls with momentary joy. Some people love the fleeting joy of online shopping or dreaming about future events such as weekends or holidays.
So, what is this joy that we look for in different places? Puppies, Christmas carols and shopping?
Rick Warren has a comprehensive definition, “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”
The Merriam-Webster describes joy as, “a feeling of great pleasure or happiness that comes from success, good fortune, or a sense of well-being”.
Personally, I prefer Rick Warren’s definition because it makes joy long-lasting and takes the concept out of the present situation. I don’t want my life to only be defined by momentary joy in certain conditions, but rather by a long lasting peace in the firm foundation of God’s control and kindness. God being the potter, directing my steps and ordering my life as I lean into Him. God is the creator and author of all and has a good plan for my life. That is what His Word says, and I choose to believe it.
Consider God’s Bigger Picture
Trying to be in control of all outcomes and probabilities in our lives can steal our joy and cause us to become anxious and worried. Scripture teaches that all struggles and worries rest in the hands of God. We are responsible for positioning ourselves to recognise the leading of the Holy Spirit and follow as He directs our way through and past the challenges and obstacles that present themselves.
There is so much freedom in allowing ourselves to embrace this gift, but most of us struggle with this level of trust and surrender. I have found this to be a significant revelation in the renewal of the mind process in my own life and in the lives of many others.
The second part of Rick Warren’s definition, “the confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright,” needs serious consideration. It is my experience, after loving and following Jesus for many years, that this is true. God does have our best interests in mind and does work things out for our good. I may not always enjoy the passage, as He leads and guides, often with me kicking and screaming; things do work out for my good. Sometimes I don’t see all that God is doing, and often I don’t like that God uses circumstances to mature me and grow my faith, but in the end, I see the work of His hands and the beauty that only He can bring.
We Have A Choice
The final part of the definition is “the determined choice to praise God in every situation.” I love that it is a determined choice, and when I am thankful and praise God for all He does, my peace and joy returns or even increases. That soft feeling of warmth on the inside. Like a big inside hug. I choose to praise, not in a religious way that feels false, but with deep gratitude, for all that has come before.
So, what is joy for me? The quiet reassurance that I am not alone and that the creator of all loves me and is working for my good. When it seems hard, and I struggle to see and feel joy in the moment, God has the last word; He is enough, and so much more.
This blog has come from a recent revelation, and a self-study course I’ve been writing. Make sure you follow my social media accounts, and sign up to my mailing list to be the first to hear when it launches.