“William James is generally considered to be the father of American psychology. Throughout his illustrious career, James remained a devoted and beloved teacher who was ‘so vivacious and humorous that one day a student interrupted and asked him to be serious for a moment’ (Hunt, 2007, p. 169).”[1]
Joy is different from happiness. While happiness is dependent upon external circumstances, joy can always remain because it depends on one’s inward view of life. God wants His people to be filled with joy. Paul told the Thessalonians to “Rejoice evermore” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). He earlier told the brethren at Galatia that it was apart of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). The word “rejoice,” “rejoicing,” and “joy” occur 385 times in the Bible. Philippians is called the “Book of Joy” because of how many times Paul uses the word “joy” and its synonyms. How can we fulfill God’s desire for us to be joyful?
Get Into Christ and Stay Faithful (Philippians 3:3). Sin is the antithesis of joy. We cannot live in sin and be truly joyous at the same time. If you want to be joyous obey the Gospel through baptism Although David may have been happy when in sin, he certainly was not joyous (Psalm 51:12). Sin takes away any inward joy:
It weighs on the conscience (Psalm 32:3-4). Certainly, there is no joy in a heavy conscience.
It creates terror (Psalm 14:5; Proverbs 28:1; Isaiah 48:22). Fear and joy cannot exist simultaneously.
It is never satisfied (Psalm 1:1; cf. Habakkuk 2:5). Sin is contrary to joy because it always is dependent on the next thing.
People go on their way rejoicing when they are free from sin (Acts 2:47, 8:8, 39) not when they are bound by it. You may be happy for a while in sin, but don’t ever think you will find joy in it.
Create a Love for the church (Philippians 2:28). Epaphroditus’ coming would surely have caused Philippi to rejoice. True joy is finding faithfulness (3 John 4) and fellowship in the life of others. Invest in the lives of others, make assembly a priority, and have deep bonds with brethren all over the world. How can we rejoice with others if we are not around them (Romans 12:15)? What better way is there to become joyous than to be around other joyful people?
Make and Grow Converts (Philippians 4:1). Paul said his audience was his joy. The joy of watching a soul go from sinner to saint is unmatched. The process of growth in a new convert brings joy to the life of the teacher. If you want to be joyous help people get to heaven.
Cultivate a Spirit of Optimism (Philippians 4:4). Walt Whitman said, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” One must decide to be joyous; it is not natural. It is normal to look at the bad before the good. If we want to be joyous people, we must CHOOSE to look at the good. Solomon wrote, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). One Vanderbilt article in 2004 observed that optimistic attitudes have an impact on healing diseases.[2] To develop a similar attitude in our spiritual lives we should:
Be patient in trials (Romans 12:12). Know its not forever.
Look well on trials (Hebrews 12:5-11; James 1:2-5). Ask yourself what good will come from this.
Focus on heaven (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Believe heaven is real.
Such an attitude prompted Paul to say, “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all” (Philippians 2:17). Perspective gives birth to optimistic attitudes. Start looking at the good things in life instead of the bad; the heavenly things instead of the carnal.
Attend a Class on Contentment (Philippians 4:11). Paul said contentment is learned. True joy will come when we accept our circumstances and do not complain about them. If we want our lives on earth to be filled with joy, we will seek to look at the earth with heavenly glasses on (Matthew 6:19-21; Colossians 3:1-5). Only then can we truly inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
We have no time for distress, anxiety, and discouragement. What are you doing to be joyous?
Endnotes
[1]Schacter, D. L., Gilbert, D. T., & Nock, M. K. (n.d.). Psychology. Retrieved from https://platform.virdocs.com/read/2287626/15/#/4/2[dan_9781319468934_wLRsiZRsvT]/6[dan_9781319468934_Nfan1XMdWU]/8[dan_9781319468934_qyFXJgxGN2]
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