Finding Joy

Acts 13:52 - The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

The Bible tells us to rejoice. But the ability to rejoice, the act of being filled with joy, is not something that every person automatically experiences. Joy is not easy to obtain in the world and is an extraordinary and valuable gift. It is something that must be found in the journey of life. A gift found in life, that is worth pursuing.

Joy is not simply something we have.  Our inner conflicts battle on whether we are deserving of joy. Sometimes we simply reject it because we do not feel worthy. This rejection is because we do not know what joy truly is and where joy exists.

Most people would believe that joy is happiness.  Others relate joy to sensual pleasure.  These two things are physical and often short lived. 

Are you happy? Many times yes, being with friends, enjoying a meal, or eating a big bowl of ice cream, but if we are honest, happiness isn't necessarily something lasting in our lives.  It’s far from being permanent and can melt away like that ice cream.  Happiness is accidental. It just comes upon you.  You can’t buy it, earn it, or achieve it. Happiness is related to the way you live.  But, is it joy? No, truly it isn’t.

How about pleasure?  Is pleasure joy? No, in fact it isn't.  Pleasure is the sensation of feeling gratified.  As good as it may be, life is not merely about pleasure. There are other things more important in life than just being gratified.  

Joy is more than short-lived happiness; and it is more than gratification of a sensual pleasure. There is much more to joy than these.  Joy is the intensiveness that lies beyond temporary happiness and a complete gratifying fulfillment more profound than a sensual pleasure. Joy is the inner change that is an undying experience of these two sensations that affects our lives.

Psalms 126: 2(a), 3 - We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

For a true believer, there is no inconsistency between the joy of life and the joy in God.  Joy is created in relationships.  It begins with others who love us for who we are and accept us fully. Joy is in the happiness experienced in loving others and the true self. Joy is profound and hopefully unending. Joy is the certainty that you are loved forever, no matter what.  Joy is being set free.

Like the apostles, Rejoice! Let your heart sing, fill your being with joy.  This is the reality of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, experiencing life in a totally different way. It is in the divine that we find true joy and love in the world and the joy of heaven.  Heaven is ever lasting happiness and enduring pleasure sharing love with God and those you love forever and ever.