Our joy is to be full in Christ. Can't be taken away. We are to have joy in trials. God's Word is the joy of our heart. Belief in Christ results in joy that is inexpressible and full of glory. God's word is written so that our joy may be complete. In God's presence there is fullness of joy.
Joy in ministry of the Holy Spirit. Joy in the finished work & future coming of Christ. Joy with the saints in worship. Joy of salvation, joy in the works of the Lord, joy in the law of the Lord.
Christ endured the cross for the joy set before Him.
Believers are commanded all across the Psalms to sing for joy, to praise the Lord in joy. Paul says in Phil 4:4, Rejoice. Again I say, rejoice!
What is joy? I came across a neat definition in one commentary... "A constant state of calm-gladness and a thankful, faithful, unwavering, always rejoicing and praising heart." That just about sums it up.
Happiness is what the world knows... a good feeling that is dependent upon favorable circumstances. It is temporary and fleeting, a mood, an emotion. But joy... it is that permanent gladness of heart, despite the world around you, made possibly only by faith in Christ.
I think of the sermon by Piper where a man's daughter goes flying through a windshield and lies dead on the street, and through the deepest possible pain he says, "God is enough. God is enough. He is good. He will take care of us. He will satisfy us. He will get us through this. He is our treasure. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth I desire but you." That is joy. No matter what the storm, to look to heaven and know Christ is your treasure. Your joy. Your love. Your strength.
And yet I see so often that my joy lies in my performance, my works, my attainments, myself. I see my joy shaken when I lose sight of God's Word and promises. When I see trials as a burden and not as a change to grow in faith and character and intimacy with the Lord. My joy is sucked when I allow desires and expectations to rule my heart rather than Christ. When I fall in love with the world and forsake my bridegroom.
That Christ would be my treasure.
Good articles:
http://bible.org/seriespage/true-source-joy-luke-1017-24
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2003/130_Quest_Joy_Found_Christ/
Pipers Clip
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