We recognize joy. We have seen it on the face of a child. Children often have a wonder for the world that is not yet tainted. It shows on their faces. Most adults have lost a least part of this joy. The worries of life tend to spoil wonder and joy.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
JOHN 15:8-11 (ESV)
What exactly is joy? Is joy is a feeling? How does it relate to happiness? Joy is both different and similar to happiness. Happiness is situational. It is a reaction to something good or pleasant. I am happy when I am with my friends doing the things we like. Joy is not situational. It comes from deep within the soul.
The book of Philippians has joy running through it from the opening prayer to the last thank you. What is notable about Philippians, is the rest of the subject matter running through it. Paul is in prison writing the letter. He is not only in prison, but others are trying to make his imprisonment worse. He speaks of humility, the kind Jesus had. He counts all he has gained in the world as a loss. He is thanking the Philippians, recalling times of great need. He is thriving in a world that does not think like him or value the things he does. He is in a world that opposes him. He is punished frequently for believing in and proclamating salvation through Christ. All this, yet, he speaks of joy on every page. How does this make sense to us? Paul is serving God to his own peril and not being rewarded by earthly comfort and success. He is storing up a different kind of treasure. He has a different reward. He has joy.
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17 (NIV)
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV)
Joy is separate from circumstances. Joy can be experienced in both good and bad situations. It is fruit of you life that has its source in the Spirit. It comes from perspective. We see things beyond their immediate context and know that God has control. We know we belong to Him. We live both now and in eternity in His presence. It comes from right relationship with Him. It also comes from walking uprightly out of this right relationship and the presence of the Holy Spirit despite hardship, suffering, and persecution
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)