What is Joy?

Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines it this way:

joy noun \ˈjȯi\ -

1. a :  the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight
   b :  the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety

2. a state of happiness or felicity : bliss

3. a source or cause of delight

joy verb -

1. :  to experience great pleasure or delight : rejoice

2. archaic : gladden

3. archaic : enjoy

The Bible speaks of both joy and happiness.  Many times we are told to rejoice, and Jesus teaches on having fullness of joy.  Yet Jesus also taught in the sermon on the mount many ways to be blessed, or happy.  Joy is usually described as something which cannot be taken away when circumstances change, while happiness is based on circumstances entirely.  One site describes it this way: 

Happiness is an emotion in which one experiences feelings ranging from contentment and satisfaction to bliss and intense pleasure. Joy is a stronger, less common feeling than happiness.  {source – not necessarily recommended}

I think the difference between the two will be more clearly seen as we continue to study where joy comes from, and how and when God instructs us to have joy.

“Our joys on earth we are liable to be robbed of by a thousand accidents, but heavenly joys are everlasting.” 
--Matthew Henry

Philippians 4–Contentment

I have been struggling recently – with the waiting for the next step in ministry, with the exhaustion from the current stage of life, with the inconsistency of deputation life, and more.  I know that at the root of many of my up and down feelings is a discontent with where God has me right now.  I want to be content, but I still hear the lies of the enemy in my ears and often my emotions follow. 

As I did a brief word search on the word content I came to Philippians 4, and Paul’s classic declaration on the subject – “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”  I decided to read the entire passage and look at some cross-references too. 

This is what God brought to me. I love how He drops us to the place in His Word which is exactly what we need for the moment.  He is the Master of bringing just the right word, email, verse, encouraging text, reminder, and more to encourage my weary heart!

-- Stand fast in the Lord, Phil. 4:1  Don’t give up yet!

-- Rejoice in the Lord, alway…, v.4  There is always something to be thankful for.  Rejoice in Who God is, and what He has already done.

-- Don’t worry about anything, v.6 – the future, the rest of the day, the “what if’s” which are piling up in your mind.

-- In everything, by prayer and suppication, let your requests be made known unto God, v.6 – take it to God.  Not Hubby.  Not Mom.  Not BFF.  Take it to God.  Tell it to Him.

-- Pray with thanksgiving, v.6 – There is always something to be thankful for!  Even this house, the waiting, the seemingly slow responses to prayer, the difficult kids, the tiredness.

-- God’s peace will wrap itself around your heart and mind, v.7 – He will bring peace, even in the midst of the storm.

-- Whatsoever things are true…think on these things, v.8 – Feed yourself truth.  Don’t believe the lies.  Don’t sit there and sulk in the lies of the Enemy.  Tell your hear the truth, and think on it!

-- Be content, no matter where you are, v.11 – No matter what!

-- I can do all things through Christ, 13 – But only in Christ.  Not in self.  Not in mostly Christ and some of self.  Only in Christ.

-- God shall supply all your needs, v.19 – A house.  The energy.  Emotional strength.  Patience.  Finances.  ALL YOUR NEEDS.

-- Unto God be the glory, v.20.

It was interesting to me to search on the word content in v.11.  Did you know that the root of this Greek word is the same word which appears as “sufficient” in the verse below?

“And He said unto me, My grace is SUFFICIENT for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  2 Cor. 12:9

Be content, because His grace is enough.  It is sufficient for whatever I need, in whatever situation, at whatever time.  And because I have His grace, I can be content with whatever situation, at whatever time.

Trusting in Riches

In my current Bible study in Ps. 37 I completed a word study of the Hebrew word tssadiq, or righteous.  It was not terribly in depth as this is a multi-faceted word used repeatedly through Scripture.  However, one verse caught my attention. 

“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.”
Proverbs 11:28

Recently in our deputation journey we discovered that we would likely have to travel longer than anticipated.  I had my heart set on moving into our field in the Bronx, NYC and getting settled.  First it was to be March.  Then June.  Now the date is uncertain.  (Though we may still get to move we will not be able to really be there and settle in until late this year or early 2017).  I’ve never really been a “home body” but traveling for two years has given me the desire to just be in one place and have a home that is mine, and to settle into a “normal” life.  I know that’s not exactly riches…but sometimes it seems like it takes riches in order to survive in New York City!

Today I was reminded that trusting in riches – in material possessions and things of this life – will lead to instability.  Finances and possessions come and go.  But the righteous man will flourish as a branch.  This reminds me of John 15 where Jesus states He is the vine and we are the branches.  Only a branch firmly placed into the vine can bring forth the rich fruit of the vineyard. 

I am not trying to declare my own goodness, but the truth of Scripture is that everyone who has placed his trust in Christ for salvation has been declared “righteous” by God.  That salvation gives me new life in Christ and the ability to flourish as I draw my nourishment from Him. 

I still want to have that house in the Bronx.  I want to move in and settle down.  But I don’t want my trust to be in a moving date or a set of circumstances regarding possessions.  I want to be a rightous man, flourishing in life because my trust is in Christ.

Contentment

“Contentment is not the fulfillment of you want, but the realization of what you already have.”

I was sorting through some emails and realized that my mom had asked me to make this quote into a subway art so she could frame it.  It was just what I needed today.  I am 36 1/2 weeks along with these twins, and in my mind they should have been here already.  I have been frustrated and grouchy since Monday as I sit in my house waiting for the contractions to start.  I have not been content with the fact that God’s Will is obviously for the twins to arrive later than I had desired.  In the mean time, I can enjoy the two kiddos I already have, instead of being frustrated and grouchy with them.