Webster's dictionary definition: 1) to experience great pleasure or delight : REJOICE, 2) the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : DELIGHT.
Hebrew dictionary definition: 8057. simchah, sim-khaw'; from H8056 blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival):-- X exceeding (-ly), gladness, joy (-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice (-ing). (Found 88 times in the Old Testament, in 22 books)
Greek dictionary definition: 5479. chara, khar-ah'; from G5463; cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:--gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy (-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous). (Found 57 times in the New Testament, in 18 books)
There are many ways to define joy. Joy isn't just a smile or a laugh. Joy is something that is deep within and doesn't leave quickly. When we have the joy of the Lord, we'll know it and so will others. Since joy is given by God and something that He wants us to have, we need to be joyful! In addition to being joyful, we should let others have their joy and not bring them down when they are excited about good things. The only thing worse than not having joy is stealing someone else's. We will also see where the Bible gives us specific times to be joyful. Lastly, I've listed ways that God has given me joy! If you're lacking, pray and try some! Enjoy this lesson and God bless you!
Have Joy!
Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"
As Christians, we should always find reasons to be joyful. We'll spend eternity in Heaven! Spending eternity in Heaven with God, the saints and the angels is something incredible!
If we can't find reasons to be joyful, our perspective must change. God lets us have blessings every day. We should be able to see them and thank God for them. Additionally, we should ask for God's blessings! Some think they should be blessed with joy automatically, but God's Word says "you have not because you do not ask". Ask for joy!
There were some homeless people on the beach the other day. All they had was the clothes they were wearing and a push cart for each of them. They liked what they had and it brought them joy. Everyone on earth has something they are proud of that brings them joy. Jesus is what should bring us joy and pride over all else. What are you most proud of? What bring you the most joy?
Proverb 12:20 "Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy."
Proverb 21:15 "It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity."
Peace and joy go together. Give good advice and give peaceful advice. When we try not to fight and hate others, and decide to get along, we will experience peace and joy.
A man at Chevron looked at my truck's oil leak today. He said that their previous work was good and he isn't responsible for the current leak. However, what he said was controversial and difficult to prove. I could have attacked this man's nationality, quality of work, competence, etc. But I didn't. I thought about the truth in the matter and how we weren't sure exactly who's fault it was. I couldn't blame him for something that I did not know was his fault. So, instead I thanked him for looking at my leak for free. I could have been angry that he didn't fix the current leak, but instead, I had joy when I appreciated what he did do. I looked for the truth and found peace. Then that peace turned into joy!
Ecclesiastes 2:26 "For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind."
God loves His people. All of the believers will receive wisdom, knowledge and joy from God. That is something special since the unbelievers are not going to Heaven and have the tedious task of acquiring meaningless things on earth. These things that are made and acquired by the unbelievers will still bring glory to God since God made everything. Additionally, the believers will see what is made and give God the credit that is due to Him. Seeing awesome things that are made, even by godless people, will give the us joy since we will see God as an awesome Creator. Can you think of any things that have been made by unbelievers that you can give thanks to God for and appreciate the Creator?
Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is....joy...."
God's Holy Spirit produces joy. Joy is a product of Christ-likeness. When we seek God through His Word and prayer, we will receive joy! Thank God that joy is something He wants us to have!
1 John 1:4 "And these things we write to you that your joy may be full."
Reading the scriptures will bring us joy! The Bible is full of awesome stories and truths that are encouraging to the believers. How can you not be joyful when you see how much God loves you and what His plans are for you?
Let Others Have Joy!
3 John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
Have joy when you know that others are being Godly! The Christian life isn't easy. We should be excited for those that are taking steps of faith and obeying God's Word!
Psalm 149:5 "Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds."
Don't interrupt joyful saints! Praise God for their joy and ask for joy if you don't have it. Let them sing, too. Not only do you get ripped off when you don't sing to God in church, you distract others if you talk to people during worship.
Proverb 23:25 "Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice."
Your parents have enough things to think about. Don't bother them. Let them enjoy themselves, too.
Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
As easy as this verse sounds, it's not so easy. We need to have joy with those who are joyful. Don't forget to smile! We also need to cry with those who are crying. Let people experience their feelings. Don't make people repress their thoughts or feelings. Help them get it out and get over it.
When Should We Be Joyful?
2 Corinthians 7:4 "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation."
Be joyful when you know that your friends are doing well. We should thank God when they are good, too. Even during tribulation, we are to be joyful! How do you do that? Find a way! Pray, sing, shout! God wants us to be a light in this dark world and a great time to be one is during trials. When an orange is squeezed, juice comes out. When you are squeezed (tested), what comes out? Hopefully the world sees sincere joy. There's a certain feeling you get when you are in a situation and know there is no immediate or easy way out. When you are at that point, thank God and pray for a way. Also pray for joy, peace and patience!
Proverb 5:18 "Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth."
Be happy with your wife! For those married folks, God has give you your spouse. Thank Him for that wonderful man or woman and be joyful! Don't steal their joy either. Be a catalyst in their relationship with God and remind them to pray and seek our Heavenly Father (the source of joy).
Proverb 24:17 "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;"
Love your enemies. Would someone who loved another person be happy when they hurt themselves? Of course not. You don't have to love what they are doing or what they believe in, but know that God loves them and there is hope for them. Have great faith in the power of God to change any human being at any moment. Remember how He's changed you? Pray for your enemies and look for the chance to share the gospel with them.
Proverb 29:2 "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan."
Be joyful when there are righteous leaders in authority. Perhaps that seems rare in the United States government, but consider your church authority. Are there Godly people in leadership at your church? If so, rejoice!
1 Corinthians 13:6 "(Love) does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;"
Iniquity is sin or unrighteousness. We need to rejoice in the truth and not when evil is done. If we have the right kind of love, we will have the right kind of joy. It's common for people to make bad jokes, make fun of people, get excited at evil actions, etc. However, we're called to rejoice in the truth. When we see righteousness and hear about good deeds being done, then we need to rejoice! When do you rejoice? If you have gotten excited about evil actions in the past, just say a prayer to God and ask Him to forgive you. Now try and get excited about good things!
Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"
1 Thessalonians 5:16 "Rejoice always."
There is no time like the present. Rejoice now! Do you know some people that are always waiting for the perfect time to do something? Maybe you've been one of those people. God doesn't ask us to rejoice sometimes or once in a while. God tells us to rejoice always! This doesn't mean to be rude like laughing hysterically at a funeral. There is a difference between laughing and having joy. Having a joyful heart is a wonderful thing and it isn't always expressed by laughing or joking. We have joy when God has given it to us. It is deep within us and doesn't go away very easily. It begins with a right (obedient) relationship with Christ and continues when we possess a right attitude. Adversity won't derail the joy that comes from God; nothing will! Look for ways and times you can express your joy to others!
Here is an acronym I learned:
J esus
O thers
Y ou
The concept here is that when we put Jesus first we will have joy. When we put others next, instead of ourselves, we will be blessed with joy, also. It's easy to be selfish in this world, especially when you're not sure who is looking out for you. However, God wants us to be selfless and giving.
Here is a list of some things that have brought me joy. If you are lacking joy, try them and they should help you too!
1. Praying
2. Worshiping
3. Talking to friends or family members
4. Driving
5. Eating
6. Watching something good on tv or at the movies
7. Exercising
8. Reading
9. Giving counsel
10. Receiving counsel
11. Listening to a sermon
12. Preaching a sermon
13. Sending encouraging emails
14. Tithing
15. Obeying God
16. Playing with kids
17. Reading the Bible
18. Going to a Christian concert or music festival
19. Being baptized
20. Getting a accepted to a college or graduate school
21. Getting a degree
22. Giving gifts
