Joy Is A Person

We know joy and happiness are not the same. In fact, most of us connect the dots between happiness and our circumstances. For example, when we have a good day, things go well at work, the kids got along, we connected with a friend at lunch, or the “yes” we are waiting on arrives, we experience happiness. That happiness, though, is as ever-changing as the events around us.

Yet, as faith-based women, we know that real joy remains unshakeable and is abundant. In fact, Jesus says in John 15: 11 that “these things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." However, when the hard days come, we struggle to find joy. Discouragement, disappointment, grief, loss, or pain leave us feeling empty of joy. 

Joy connects to God, right? So why does He seem so far away? Why is our joy so elusive? 

The Frame: Shifting Our Perspective 

Today, let’s frame joy in a fresh way: Joy is not a choice. Joy is a person. 

We have all experienced moments in our lives where we have said these words or similar ones, “This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever walked through, but because you are here with me, I’m going to make it.” 

We’ve had friends who have walked with us, comforted us, provided for us, made us laugh, and held us when we’ve cried in the midst of our darkest days. The circumstances were awful. Yet, because of the people who lived with us in those moments, we had moments of respite and joy.

If our human friends and family can provide joy in such difficult circumstances, then what would it look like for God to provide us joy?

The Frame: Highlighting Truth 

Friends, how much greater could that respite and joy be if we find it in the person of Christ? Not only is our God a God of joy, but He also delights to give himself to us every single day. 

Here are a couple of examples of Christ’s superiority as a companion of joy. 

• Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. He will never shift or change on us. We can count on Him. 
• Our Savior is the way, the truth, and the life. He is unshakeable, true, life-giving. 
• Jesus is our Shepherd…leading, providing, protecting, caring. 
• God is our Shield…defending and fighting for us. 
• Christ is our advocate and Savior…forgiving, praying, interceding, making a way. 
• Jesus is God…powerful, loving, sovereign, merciful, just, and full of grace. 
• Our Father…tender, faithful, trustworthy. 

Joy resides in our relationship with Christ. When our eyes are fixed on Him, as we lean into His arms, as we follow closely in his footsteps, even through dark valleys, the light of His love surrounds us and fills us with abundant hope. 

The Frame: Application & Beauty 

Joy is a person.  

If you are struggling with joy, ask God to help you deepen your relationship with Christ, deepen your understanding of Him through His Word, and deepen your roots in His love. Far better than your sweetest, most intimate relationship here on earth, your relationship with Jesus will infuse your life with a transformational joy. Would you like to learn more? 

Dig into these scriptures. 

• I Peter 1: 7-9 
• Psalm 16 
• John 17 

Would you like to learn more? Follow me on Instagram where I continue the conversation: Framed In Joy.