Articles
When Joy Turns to Misery
Our discipleship is determined by our submission to Christ (Luke 6.40, 46). Included in this submission is living joyously. From the very beginning of our conversion we are to receive the word of God with joy (Matt. 13.20). In fact, it was the message of joy that caused us to even consider obedience to God's word. An angel told the shepherds at Jesus' birth, "...I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2.10). This is a joyful message "...for he [Jesus] will save his people from their sins" (Matt. 1.21, emphasis mine). Finally, the kingdom is a source or cause of joy. Jesus taught, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field" (Matt. 13.44). No wonder "there was much joy" when the gospel reached the city of Samaria (Acts 8.8).
Further, all that Jesus did was ultimately to cause us joy. He told His disciples, "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15.11). Elsewhere He said, "Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16.24). Finally, John taught concerning Jesus, "...we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete" (1 John 1.4). Certainly, Jesus did not suffer and die to produce miserable people, but rather blessed (happy) and joyous people.
Men and woman rejoiced when they were saved (Acts 8.39; 16.34). Local churches rejoiced when God's ways were successful. In fact, joy was a distinguishing mark of the early church (See Acts 13.52; 15.3). Joy was associated with their faith (Phil. 1.25), their hope (Rom. 5.2; 12.12) and even their sympathy (Rom. 12.15). They not only rejoiced at their conversion and as a church, but they were to "rejoice always" no matter the situation (Phil. 4.4; 1 Thess. 5.16). When there is a lack of joy among those who claim to be "of Christ", spiritual lethargy sets in, love begins to exist in word only, evangelism ceases, inactivity increases, and local churches dry up.
Some have fallen away from the Lord because "religion and the church" no longer interest them. Instead it is simply a burden to them. Yet John said, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5.3). Could it be that the reason God seems like a burden at times is because of our lack of joy? Why did Paul tell the Philippians to rejoice (2.18; 3.1; 3.3; 4.4, etc.)? Why did James tell the brethren to "count it all joy" when faced with tribulation (James 1.2)? Why did Peter speak of the "joy that is inexpressible" during persecution and the joy that will be experienced at Jesus’ coming (1 Peter 1.8 ESV; 4.13)?
If joy is not a part of our discipleship and submission to Christ, then we will find God's word to be a burden and we will fail when any challenge comes our way. Imagine a life without joy. Who could remain faithful? It is past time for some to pray the words of David: "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit" (Psalm 51.12). It is time for our joy to be restored and for us to get to work.
Some say they do not get anything out of worship. Is it because of the lack of joy in their lives? Maybe. Obviously, they will not get anything out of worship if they do not put anything into it. This writer is not advocating that we sit with fake smiles on our faces during worship. That is extreme, yet it is the other extreme to sit there like we are the most miserable people on earth. We are saved people, redeemed people: "...a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2.9). Let's start worshipping like it and living like it!
As discussed above, our joy is connected to our faith, hope and growth in Christ. It has been said that whatever wins one's heart is required to keep it. Principally the same is true for joy. If a joyful message helped win our conversion, joy will be required to keep us faithful. In fact, since we long for the joy to come (cf. Heb. 12.2, etc.), let us rejoice always. No wonder Paul taught that we must bear the fruit of the Spirit to go to heaven. Interestingly, "... the fruit of the Spirit is …joy..." (Gal. 5.22). If a child of God is no longer joyous, he “... is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins" (2 Peter 1.10). Let us do our part to put away unrighteousness so that the Holy Spirit can do His part in producing the fruit of the spirit – joy – within us.
If anything is fundamental to our faith and spiritual well-being, it is joy. When joy turns to misery, our salvation is forfeited. We cannot be saved and heaven-bound and be miserable people. In fact, heaven will have no miserable people! Further, if one does not enjoy worshipping with the saints on earth, he will not enjoy worshipping with the saints in heaven either. This person need not worry; he won’t be going.
"Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." While Peter does not mention the word "joy", when we were without mercy we were all in a miserable state. In fact, anyone who is alienated from God is not only without hope and mercy, but without the joy that only Christ can supply. Many lead happy and even blessed lives, but their joy is hopeless and vain. When Christ suffered and died for us, we were given the opportunity to be in a joyous relationship with Him. Turn to Him today. Only then can we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your lord" (Matt. 25.23). BG
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