Quest for Joy

 Joy (noun): the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.

I wanted to start with this secular definition because this is a topic we need to discuss and address with caution but with intentionality, because I believe that as Christians, we tend to misunderstand the concept of joy. Sometimes we are so focused in obedience and holiness (not bad things), that we forget this little emotional concept; hated by some who doesn’t want to get involved with charismatics, and misunderstood and twisted by some other christians to the point of show anything but real joy.

Joy is to really enjoy something, thanks to the ways you get in contact with that thing. Joy is to delight with something pleasant, nice, good for you. Joy is the final reaction of total emotional satisfaction. Joy, or the lack of it, determines our mind states, our reactions toward life, our relationships with others, and even the final states of our spirit. In the world, joy is intertwined with success, personal peace, economic stability, a good love life, etc. The world feels joy as a consequence of those playing scenarios in our lives. If nothing of that is happening, the unbelieving world has really few reasons to be joyful. The unbeliever is trapped by despair and hopelessness when is surrounded by trials. Is incapable to feel joy.

In the Christian life, joy is a complete contradiction. The Christian can feel joy in the midst of tribulations. The Christian can feel joy when his life is ending. The Christian can feel joy when his world is breaking apart (2 Cor. 6:10). The world can’t feel that kind of joy. Joy is not even a consequence of his actions, but a commandment from God himself:

Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. (Psalms 100:2, NLT)

    The Christian joy is not based on the things he has, or the milestones he has accomplished: his joy is rooted on God, and what He did for us in the person of Jesus Christ. Joy in God is to enjoy Him, thanks to our knowledge of Him through the Scriptures, worship and a personal relationship with Him in prayer. Joy in God is to know (to really know) that everything He has done in our lives, is for our good; doesn’t matter if we are walking in darkness. Joy in God is to enjoy being in His presence, instead of being doing anything else. Joy in God is to love His people, even when they are hard to love. Joy in God is to believe in faith that it doesn’t matter how long He takes to fulfill His promises, He will fulfill His promises in our lives. Joy in God is to know we are saved by grace, and that everything we have we do not deserve. Joy in God is to be thankful for His death in the Cross for us. Joy in God is to know our names are written in the Book of Life. Joy in God is to prefer and love Him, rather than sin.

    Joy can become the main sin-killer in our lives, if we channel it toward the right direction: Christ.

    Joy is a synonym of satisfaction. The most satisfied we are in God, the closest we are to Him, the most dedicated we want to live for His Glory and of course, the less we will sin. The Christian life is a quest for joy. Are looking for joy in temporary things? Or are we looking for joy in the One who created all things and promised us that:

11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11, ESV)?

In case you see this sounds like Piper...It sounds like him a lot! I'm studying his book "The Dangers of Delight", and I've already seen the reality of joy in my life. To focus in my quest for joy in God has rekindled my desire to serve Him. So...thank you, Ps. Piper, for being touched by God while writing your books.