Experiencing Joy in the Christian Life

Christian author C. S. Lewis titled his autobiography Surprised by Joy. He believed that joy was a key part of the Christian life, one too often neglected.

Joy is something we all long for but that often seems difficult to grab hold of. Experiencing joy should be a part of every Christian’s life.  Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, produced by God’s work in us, and it is part of God’s will for us. (See Galatians 5:22-23) but can often seem elusive for Christians.  Before exploring how we can experience joy in the Christian life, we must first recognize that joy is not based on circumstances.  In fact, joy may not even prevent us from experiencing negative emotions.  Rather, joy is a deep-seated sense of happiness in what God has done and what He is doing.  The Greek word for "joy" is related to the Greek word for "grace."  Actually, joy is a grace granted to us by God.  So how can we accept and experience the gift of joy?

We know that even the most mature of God’s people experience periods of joylessness.  For instance, Job wished he had never been born. (See Job 3:11)  Elijah, even after defeating 450 prophets of Baal with fire called down from heaven (See 1 Kings 18:16–46), fled into the desert and asked God to take his life. (See 1 Kings 19:3–5)  The Psalms display this truth beautifully.  David poured out his complaints to God.  He did not deny the hardships of life, his depression, his hurt, or his disappointment.  Yet by the end of each psalm, he generally seemed encouraged. (See for example: Psalm 7; 13; 16; 18)  If these men struggled, how can we experience consistent joy in the Christian life?   

When we voice our concerns and allow ourselves to be reminded of the goodness of God, we release our burdens.  Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)  Joy is both a gift of God as well as a response to the gifts of God.  Joy comes when we are aware of God’s grace and delight in His kindness.  We can experience joy when we give our problems to Jesus.  He helps carry our heavy load and reminds us of who He is.

The book of Philippians has much to say about joy, even though Paul wrote this letter from prison.  Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7) We give our burdens to God through prayer and do so with thanksgiving.

But we don't stop there.  Paul goes on to say, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)  After we have given our requests to God, we attain a proper perspective.  We think on things that are pure, admirable, and praiseworthy.  We do not live in our heartache but on the goodness of God and the beauty He instills into our lives.   

Here we see the importance of praising God, remembering that He is near, praying about our worries, and keeping our minds focused on the good things of God.  We can experience joy when we intentionally praise.  David wrote that the study of God’s Word can bring us joy. (Psalm 19:8)  We experience joy by communing with God through prayer.  And we experience joy by keeping our focus on godly things rather than on difficult circumstances.

So you see Christian joy is NOT simply a happy-go-lucky attitude despite what I am going through; nor is it simply optimism for the future.  It is not even mere happiness in present circumstances that are good. These are all counterfeits to what real Christian joy is, not that these things are necessarily wrong, they just aren’t to be confused with genuine Christian joy because even a non-Christian can have these things.  Likewise, Christian joy is not incompatible with sorrow and grief.  You see, the opposite fruit of joy is not sorrow as one would think.  Rather the opposite of the fruit of joy is hopelessness/despair.

Christian joy is much deeper and more profound than these things.  It truly is a fruit that can only be produced by the Holy Spirit and that only Christians can have it.  Simply put, Christian joy is rooted in the good news of the person and work of Jesus Christ and is produced in us by the Holy Spirit through faith in God’s Word.

Jesus tells us, “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:22)  Jesus was originally speaking about His death and resurrection appearances.  They had great sorrow when Jesus was in the grave but then He rose from the dead on the third day and appeared to His disciples and they rejoiced greatly to see Him face to face once again, risen victorious over the grave.  And Jesus gave them His Spirit so that no one would ever be able to take their joy from them. (See John 20:22)

Joy is meant to be a hallmark of the Christian life.  It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and a gift of God.  We best receive this gift when we focus on the truth of who God is, commune with Him through prayer, and rely on the community of believers He has provided.

There’s something you want, we all want.  In fact, our hearts ache for it.  Some of us realize it sooner than others. Unfortunately, some of us never realize it at all.  It’s joy.  It’s fulfillment.  It’s a pleasure and contentment and peace, an unending spring of living water that runs deep within our very being.  Begin by giving your life completely over to Jesus, accepting His gift of grace.  When you truly abide in Him, you will know the richness of His joy.

“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:10-11)

Can God change your life?

God has made it possible for you to know Him, and experience an amazing
change in your own life.

Discover how you can find peace with God.