Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet Outreach

The Bible and Joy

The Bible offers answers for one of Life’s most elusive goals: joy.

LIFE, ABUNDANTLY
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. [1 John 1:3, 4]

Can we find contentment in this sinful world? Yes! Pain, suffering and unhappiness are the result of our separation from YHWH; only to the degree that we return can we find the joy we long for but that the world itself doesn’t offer.

At the foundation of all Christian beliefs is the promise of eternal life (1 John 2:25). Without that, whatever YHWH does for us, even now through his Son, is all in vain (1 Corinthians 15:16-19). Yet, the promises He’s given aren’t all “other-worldly”; they don’t all pertain to life in a new heaven and a new earth without sin, suffering and death. Scriptures promise many things for the here-and-now — things that help us to know now what Yahushua means when He talked about giving us life more abundantly (John 10:10).

YHWH loves us; and because He loves us, He wants us to have joy and what’s best for us. Through His Word, He is revealed to us, as well as what He’s willing to do for us if we allow Him to do so. Many times, we’re our own worst enemy and hindrance to joy!

REJOICE BEFORE YHWH
And thou shall rejoice before YHWH your God […] in the place which YHWH your God hath chosen to place his name there. [Deuteronomy 16:11]

Even in this sinful world, YHWH provided the means by which we can achieve a certain amount of happiness and joy in this life. Studies show that in regard to the kinds of factors which give an indication of joy, those who have faith in the Lord come out better than those who live with no faith. Christians should think about what has been revealed: a loving, caring Creator who became human flesh (Romans 8:3); in the flesh, died for sins (Romans 5:8) and promised an eternal life in a world made new (Revelation 21:1). There’s hope that this life isn’t all there is.

From YHWH, there are many precious promises of Him being with us (Matthew 28:20), guiding us (John 16:13), helping us (Hebrews 4:16) and never forsaking us (Hebrews 13:5). Believers in YHWH should rejoice and be more content than those who know nothing about these promises.

And there ye shall eat before YHWH your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein YHWH thy God hath blessed thee. [Deuteronomy 12:7]

NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES…
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. [1 Peter 4: 12-14]

Despite many Biblical promises — promises that offer much comfort and joy — we’re all destined to suffer in this life. One of the crucial things to consider is how we understand “joy.” Yahushua gives a key when He said, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid [John 14:27]. In other words, we need to realize worldly ideas of peace or happiness aren’t the same as Biblical ideas. Worldly contentment can be based on fleeting and temporal things, things that in their time and place can be good. But sooner or later these things vanish, and to build our hope and happiness on them is to build on sand.

True contentment is based on something deeper than the uncertain, transient joys of this life. That we can enjoy these things — and derive some pleasure from them — is important; but True Hope is based where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal [Matthew 6:20].