You don’t have to look far to find someone who has lost their Joy, it might even be the person in the mirror. Jesus said count it all joy when the devil comes against you. It could be your faith in your commitment to God, your marriage might be in trouble, family or church issues or any number of things that might not be a big deal. But all together have overwhelmed you and put you in a dark place.
First, let’s look at the topic of joy for those who choose not to follow Jesus. Job 20:5, “The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment.” Proverbs 14:13, “Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful and the end of that mirth is heaviness.”
I have seen many people that have chosen to not follow God experience this temporary joy. We are always shocked when a prosperous, seemingly happy celebrity commits suicide.
No matter how happy or prosperous a person seems on the outside only God knows the heart. We try to fill the pain and the void with all the things the world has to offer, but at the end of the day when we are alone the despair returns. True happiness and joy
True happiness and joy only comes from our salvation in Christ and being led by the Spirit. The world gives you temporary happiness while God gives you eternal joy.
Just like every other week as I sit to write, the subject I think I know speaks to my heart in a totally different way. Joy is defined and mentioned throughout the Bible.
Paul tells us all scripture is given by inspiration of God, for doctrine, for reproof, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Yes, even the Old Testament. True, there are some articles that do not apply today, due to Christ crucifixion and resurrection, but it all points to Christ’s payment for our sin and restoring fellowship with the Father.
Even our small town now sees countless individuals walking the street looking for their next fix. As this problem grows we drive by or look out our windows as these lost souls look to drugs to fill the void.
We have become so desensitized by movies and television we are no longer moved to compassion. Our fellow man’s needs are not our concern. All we see is our own needs, and generally they are material. Romans 14:17 says, “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink: but righteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. So where do we go from here?
John 15:11 tells us, “These things have I (Jesus) spoken unto you that your joy might be full.” Previous chapter, Jesus addressed the disciple’s fear of him abandoning them. He tells them he must go so the Holy Spirit (Comforter) may come. This Comforter will be unknown to the world, but His redeemed followers will not only know him and be accompanied by him will also have the Holy Spirit dwell in them. So you are probably asking, how does this address finding joy?
Sometimes the darkness comes against us. 1 Peter 4 tells us, “to actually rejoice in our suffering so that when Christ glory is revealed, we may be glad with exceeding joy.”
John The Apostle wrote to the Christian community at a dark period in church history. Christians were being jailed, tortured, killed and intimidated by the world. At the same time, false teachers from within were questioning the physical life of Jesus. They claimed to be an advancement of the teachings of the Apostles. Remember there was little written direction and they sure didn’t have a Bible App. It was hard to discern the truth.
So during all this be happy? When you are the one drowning its hard to see the logic in this. That may even be the issue when we don’t see the truth and we have as Christians not turned to the Holy Spirit and found our joy, which can only be found with God.
There is much false teaching in the Churches today. Some mean well, while others mean well for themselves. PC and CRT have become the new catch phrases.
I even read where a new bible translation has, over a period of time, erased terms and words out of scripture and even grammar corrections concerning gender. I have several versions and translations of God’s Word.
I grew up and memorized a lot of the King James version so I will generally revert to that, but I have also gained understanding by searching God’s word in other translations.
The bottom line is you can only find true happiness from God through the counseling of the Holy Spirit. If you are struggling, I understand. Whether you have lost a job, a loved one or even a relationship with your parent or child, God can give you Joy. God is with you through fear, driven upon us by the world or sickness that has stricken you or a loved one.
First Peter 1:8 says, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, now though now you see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” Believe God is the answer and if you need guidance find someone to talk to. God probably already has them waiting.
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