Joy

By Judith Rogers

“Joy unspeakable that won’t go away . . .” You might recognise this as a line from a kids’ song that has become popular at camps and Bible clubs! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-Lk78-QKlA But in spite of singing this enthusiastically, even as believers, we often find that our joy has gone away. Why? Is “unspeakable joy” just a dream which is out of our grasp?

The concept comes from 1 Peter 1:8: “Though you do not now see Him (Jesus), you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible (unspeakable) and filled with glory.” Surprisingly, at least to our human way of thinking, this verse flows out of teaching about believers’ faith being tested by trials (1 Peter 1:6&7). Therein lies our first clue about joy – joy is not dependent on our circumstances. This fact is backed up by the experience of Jesus Himself: “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

But where can we find joy? What is its source? It is well-known that joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) but what does that mean? Earlier in Galatians we read that, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (2:20), and how does Christ live in us? Through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the source of joy, the same Holy Spirit who indwells each believer. However, we will not be free from the influence of our old nature, the flesh, until we reach Christ’s eternal kingdom. And it’s that influence which has the potential to dampen, squash or extinguish, the Spirit-given joy of the Lord to which we have access. As a result, we have to choose daily, sometimes hourly, whether we will “walk by the Spirit” (5:16) and be “led by the Spirit” (5:18), or whether we will “gratify the desires of the flesh” (5:16). Those choices will produce “fruit”: either the sorts of things described in 5:19-21, or the fruit of the Spirit – which includes joy (5:22-23).

If you’re like me you maybe struggle to know what it looks like to walk by the Spirit: Paul gives us some ideas in his letter to the church at Philippi, a letter where Paul often speaks of joy, even though he is writing from a prison cell!!

• Choose to partner with others in the Gospel: “. . .making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel” (Philippians 1:4-5). Camp and Hello Life are all about partnering with others on our team to bring the Gospel to children and young people – and that will bring joy.
• Choose to rejoice in the fact that Jesus is being proclaimed even if you have to undergo some hardships (Phil 1:18). A choice like this will produce joy, even if we are struggling with tiredness, difficult relationships, or stress during our week of summer ministry.
• Choose unity of purpose: Paul says, “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Phil 2:2). When we remember that God has brought us together as a team with the same purpose – sharing Jesus with others – that quashes our selfishness, gives us patience with our differences, and promotes joy in our hearts.
• Choose to rejoice in the Lord (Phil 4:4,10) – His provision, His faithfulness, His love, His salvation . . . the list is endless! Intentionally bringing to mind reasons to praise and thank the Lord will bring joy.

These are just a few examples of ways to walk in the Spirit, there are many more examples in the Bible. However, a correct perspective is key to them all: keeping our eyes looking up to the Lord, and outward to others, rather than looking inward at ourselves. Biblical joy is not found in feelings or circumstances, but is developed in us by the Holy Spirit as we walk in step with Him (Galatians 5:25).

Monday

1. Read Galatians 5, highlighting all the references to the Spirit.
2. Compile 2 lists using this chapter: one which lists everything you can learn about walking in the flesh, and one which lists everything you can learn about walking by the Spirit.

Tuesday

1. Read the whole letter to the Philippians, highlighting joy and rejoice.
2. Compile a list of what causes Paul joy/to rejoice.

Wednesday

1. Read Luke 10:17-20: how did Jesus correct their thinking?
2. Read Luke 10:21-24: what does Jesus rejoice in here?
3. Read Luke 15: 6,7,9,10: What causes joy in heaven?

Thursday

1. Read John 15:11: What does Jesus want us to experience?
2. Read John 15:1-10: These are the things which will bring us joy – list them out and ask God to show you how to implement them

Friday

The Psalms can help us to rejoice in the Lord. Read Psalm 105 and list all the things mentioned in this Psalm which we can rejoice in, then give thanks to the Lord for them.