Joy to the world, the Lord is come! More than likely, you have either heard or sang this Christmas carol in the past weeks. It was written by Isaac Watts in 1719 based on Psalms 98. This song proclaims that because Jesus has come, joy is available to all. Sadly, even some Christians will sing this carol with others at church, office parties, or family gatherings who are totally unhappy—wishing they had this joy. Here lies the problem. Happy and joy aren’t synonymous. Note what the song doesn’t say—happiness to the world.
Happy originally meant ‘lucky’. Through the centuries it evolved to mean a pleasant mental state resulting from a lucky happening. In other words, happiness is a result of something in this world, caused by luck, good fortune, or other worldly pleasures. So, if circumstances are favorable, you are happy; if not, you’re unhappy.
On the other hand, joy comes from the inner-self of a person. It is directly related to God because of our firm confidence in Him that all is well, regardless of our circumstances. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! He uses the word joy and rejoice 16 times in this letter. But note, where Paul was while writing this epistle. He was in prison. The church at Philippi was familiar with Paul being in jail. On their first visit, he and Silas were beaten, arrested, and placed in stocks for delivering a girl from demon possession. But even in these miserable circumstances Paul’s joy wasn’t dampen: About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God (Acts 16:25). The word for hymn literally means to celebrate in song. Neither of these events were lucky circumstances that would bring happiness.
I must also add that joy is not automatic. Three times in the Gospel of John, Jesus said that the words He was speaking would bring fullness of joy. These verses bring a couple of important lessons. First is that the Word is a source of joy. That doesn’t mean if we merely read a chapter a day we’re going to be full of joy. Rather we must not only read it, we must put it into practice. Living life by God’s pattern brings and maintains joy. The second lesson concerns fullness of joy. If we can be full of joy, does that mean we can be partially full? I have to say, yes.
“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day” (Henri Nouwen). Joy is like ‘rest’ in the book of Hebrews. The writer states what at first glance appears to be an oxymoron. Let us then make every effort [labor] to enter that rest (Heb 4:11). There is a rest given to believers, but you have to work hard to enter it. This can also be applied to joy. It is available for all Christians, but we have to work at taking hold of and keeping it. If we allow it, worldly circumstances can take our joy. Jesus also implied that people can rob us of joy (John 16:22).
We should ask ourselves, “What is the base, foundation, or underpinning of my life?” If it is materialistic worldly pleasures, then we can only hope for happiness and it is fickle, shallow, and fleeting. Happiness at its best is a momentary short-term contentment.
However, joy is based on a relationship with Jesus. It is a gift of God to every believer and a growing fruit of the Holy Spirit. I’m reminded as I write this; there is a gift under our Christmas tree with my name on it. I haven’t opened it yet. I could choose not to open it. But I plan to open my gift hoping I’ll find the tool I put on my wish list. However, if I don’t ever use it or allow one of my sons to take it, I would deprive myself of its benefits. I have to claim it, to open it, and to put it to use. Joy is just like this. It yours—claim it—use it—and don’t let anything take it away.
Sustaining Word for the Week:
In a world full of unhappy circumstances, claim your joy, put it into effect, and don’t let circumstances or people rob you of His gift. The world can only offer you happiness, but only God can give you joy. Let Him be your foundation. Joy to the world, the Lord is come!