Is joy the same as happiness? Joy is the anticipation or the expectation of something great or even wonderful. It could be described as delight, or gladness in a situation like a wedding, baptism, or graduation ceremony. Counting everything all joy, that’s the challenge.
Where does biblical joy come from? As Paul defines the fruits of the spirit, James teaches that when we are faced with obstacles how persevere and find joy.
Paul defines joy as one of the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”. As Christians, these should already be indwelled in us by the Holy Spirit. This leads me to talk about what the early Christian church went through after Christ’s death and resurrection. James wrote a letter to the twelve tribes that were scattered abroad. James 1: 2-3“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[1] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance”. During this time not only were the disciples being prosecuted for their belief that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and for spreading the gospel of Christ, anyone following the early churches was being punished at the same time.
In today’s society, believers are going through similar things. The world wants everyone to fit in it. Accept whatever the mainstream deems as right. Is it our calling as believers to stand up, wave a red flag and shout out how much we disagree with ungodly choices?
Counting It All Joy
How does one find joy amid the storm? In times of trial, some people want to seek out revenge and get angry, and some fall into a deep depression, feeling like they have no way out of their situation. The situation can be either a business or personal matter. James is trying to teach us that the storms in our life teach us to be steadfast, helping us find the endurance to go on, which will produce spiritual strength and growth.
God knows his children are not perfect. Through reading the bible, fellowship with others will aid us in our ability to grow and mature in our daily walk with him.
My mother taught me how to find joy. Joy in my watching my adult children growing up. Watching my grandchildren figure out who they are.
Joy In Business
Working together with a team of others, and feeling connected brings about our best work.
When we are giving back, or being of service, JOY is present;
When we contribute to something greater than ourselves, JOY comes with knowing that we can create a larger impact through the team effort as well as the connection with others; and
When we feel valued, seen, and recognized for our contributions, JOY is felt.
Collaboration with each other helps to keep joy in the workplace. Keeping it going is a challenge.
Talitha Rising
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