It's been said that most folks are so busy trying to find happiness, they never find joy. What is this strange little three letter word that can mean so much in your life? What does it really mean?
Jesus spoke many times of our "joy being made full", expressing His desire that we share in His joy. (John 15:11; 17:13)
John the Baptist found joy in being the "friend of the bridegroom", vicariously participating in the joy of Jesus in establishing His relationship with His followers. (John 3:29)
Joy is listed as one portion of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). And we are even told to consider it joy when we are faced with trials (James 1:2-3).
John said in 1 John 1:4 that they were writing the letter so that their "joy might be made complete." The word translated "our" might also be translated "your." What did John mean?
The joy that the Bible talks about is a sure and certain knowledge within that you are a much-loved, chosen and adopted child of God… that He will cause all things that happen in your life to work for your good – even those that seem bad or that are bad – because you love Him and are called according to His purpose… that the trials you face come to pass, not to stay… that when things are the roughest, He is not just walking beside you, but instead, He is carrying you… that you are so important to Him that Jesus would have gone to the cross if you were the only one who needed to be saved. That is joy. Happiness is fleeting, but joy is permanent. Happiness can elude you, but joy is right there in you. The joy is that of your Master.
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