THE CONCEPT OF JOY

The concept of joy is deeply rooted in the scriptures, particularly in Isaiah 12:2-3, which says, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” This passage highlights the importance of joy in drawing from the wells of salvation, emphasizing that joy is not just an emotion but a state of being.

The use of the word “with” in the phrase “with joy” indicates that people or things are in a place together or are doing something together. In this context, it means that to access the wells of salvation, one must be in the company of joy. This implies that joy is not just a feeling but a state of being that enables one to receive and experience God’s blessings more fully.

Comparing happiness to joy, we see that happiness is often associated with external events or circumstances, whereas joy is a deeper, more lasting feeling that arises from within. Joy is not dependent on external factors, but rather it is a state of being that radiates from within. This is evident in the lives of believers who, despite facing challenges and difficulties, can still experience joy and peace in their hearts.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of joy in the life of a believer. In Galatians 5:22-23, it says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Joy is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit, indicating that it is a result of God’s presence within us. This joy is not just a superficial feeling but a deep-seated sense of contentment and peace that comes from knowing God and experiencing His presence in our lives.

The state of being that enables us to draw from the wells of salvation is characterized by maturity and skill in the things of God. It requires a level of spiritual development that allows us to tap into the blessings and promises of God. This is evident in the lives of believers who have cultivated a deep sense of joy and peace in their hearts, despite the challenges and difficulties they may face.

The joy of the Lord is also a source of strength for believers. In Nehemiah 8:10, it says, “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” This passage highlights the importance of joy in the life of a believer, emphasizing that it is a source of strength and empowerment.

Delighting in the Lord is also an essential aspect of the Christian life. In Psalm 37:4, it says, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” This passage emphasizes the importance of finding joy and satisfaction in the Lord, rather than in external sources. When we delight in the Lord, we can experience a deep sense of joy and contentment that transcends our circumstances.

In Habakkuk 3:17-18, it says, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” This passage highlights the importance of rejoicing in the Lord, despite difficult circumstances. It emphasizes that our joy and strength come from the Lord, rather than from external sources.

In conclusion, the concept of joy is deeply rooted in the scriptures, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer. Joy is not just an emotion but a state of being that enables us to receive and experience God’s blessings more fully. It is a source of strength and empowerment, and it is essential to cultivate a deep sense of joy and peace in our hearts, despite the challenges and difficulties we may face. By delighting in the Lord and rejoicing in Him, we can experience a deep sense of joy and contentment that transcends our circumstances.