Join in the Joy
Through the years, I have frequently preached about joy. It is more than an emotion (although it includes emotion); rather, it is a settled attitude, a stable and sturdy approach to life that focuses us on the things that matter now and forever. Joy is much greater and much more powerful than happiness, which is event or circumstance driven. There is nothing wrong with happiness. It is certainly better than unhappiness. Also, we have different personalities. For example, my wife is happy-go-lucky. Of course, she has every reason to be, being married to me. However, not everyone can be married to me. We need something more substantial than happiness; that something is joy. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
In II John 4, the Apostle writes, “I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.” John states this thought even more strongly in III John 4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” Whenever I hear of a former student or observe a fellow member of our church following the Lord, I am genuinely encouraged. Truly, as we read in I Corinthians 15:58, “Ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Three applications rush quickly into my mind (since nature abhors a vacuum). First, let us join with the Apostle John in heartfelt joy when others “walk in truth,” for it is much easier for any of us to fail spectacularly rather than succeed spiritually. Second, may we bring joy to others by our consistent walk with God. Third, think of the joy of Jesus over even one who repents (Luke 15:7, 10). Think of His joy when we do what is right in serving Him (Matthew 25: 21, 23). Then, join in His joy.