Make the Choice to Rejoice By Paul Knopf This is a word study on Joy. I m writing this at a time in my life when I look at certain circumstances around me and find it easy to be anything but joyful, yet I have GREAT JOY. The things of the world in general don t ever get me down or depress me. I know that creation groans and will one day be made whole again, with our Lord and Savior ruling. Today is not that day; it is still to come. In the meantime, I think of these verses in Psalms, which declare part of our hope, and receive great joy from them. Psalm 96:11 13 (NKJV) 1 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the LORD. 13 For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth. Personally, the only time I truly get a heavy heart is when my family lets me down in some major way, and I mean my immediate or Christian family, those really close to me, the ones I let into my inner circle. As for the world at large, I look at it through the filter of God s Word and with the example of Christ in the forefront of my mind. That is how we can be at peace, no matter what is going on around us. Consider these verses in Hebrews and think about the horror Jesus went through leading up to and including his crucifixion. Hebrews 12:1 and 2 (NKJV) 1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for 1. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. What an example our Lord is to us. Let his joy burn in your heart when you serve, and that joy will give you strength, stamina, and peace. When you are disappointed by those you are very close to and that disappointment starts turning to hurt, freely forgive and continue to let God s love show through in all your actions. Let the joy of the Lord give you the strength to love, forgive, and teach. The following verses give us strength, and can ignite a burning passion to serve Christ: 1 Peter 1:3 9 (NKJV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls. Colossians 3:15 17 (NKJV) 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Those are most pertinent words to live by in this dark world. If God s peace is not ruling in your heart, grab onto it and don t let go. How do you do that when things seem to be crashing in all around you? You can start with
Hebrews 12:2 [above] and look away from all else unto Jesus. When your heart is fastened upon him, you can see him as he is today, the risen Lord who dwells in our hearts, and you can be personal with him. Steven saw him standing by the right hand of God in what could be the worst circumstance a man could find himself: about to be torn apart by a mob. Steven forgave that mob and then fell asleep (Acts 7:60). Saul witnessed this and later became Paul, the writer of the greatest revelation in Scripture, the Church Epistles. Regarding biblical joy, topicalbible.org says: Besides joy in a general sense, as the response of the mind to any pleasurable event or state (1 Kings 1:40; Esther 8:17, etc.), joy as a religious emotion is very frequently referred to in the Old Testament. Religion is conceived of as touching the deepest springs of emotion, including the feeling of exultant gladness which often finds outward expression in such actions as leaping, shouting, and singing. Joy is repeatedly shown to be the natural outcome of fellowship with God. In thy presence is fullness of joy; in thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Ps. 16:11; cp. 16:8, 9). God is at once the source (Ps. 4:7, and 51:12) and the object (Ps. 35:9; Isa. 29:19) of religious joy. Christian joy is no mere gaiety that knows no gloom, but is the result of the triumph of faith over adverse and trying circumstances, which, instead of hindering, actually enhance it (Acts 5:41; Rom. 5:3; James 1:2 and 12, 5:11; 1 Pet. 4:13; cp. Matt. 5:11 and 12). Love and joy, two fruit of the spirit, are closely intertwined. 1 John 4:9 19 (NKJV) 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His
Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us. Love is the underlying emotion that fuels everything and keeps us going. Why do parents put up with all the inconvenience of caring for an infant. Because they LOVE their child and therefore do the worst, stinky tasks with a joyful smile. There is no fear in love, because perfect love casts our fear. I can honestly say I am free from debilitating fear. I don t really worry about anything, because God has always taken care of me, and I don t think He will ever stop. The same is true for you, because God is no respecter of persons. I have no doubt God is on my side, and I love him for it and I serve with joy! What about you? You can let God s love for you, his Son s sacrifice on your behalf, and their precious promises fuel you with joy so you don t get burned out by this evil world. If you need comfort, remember that you can figuratively climb into your heavenly Father s lap, where He will soothe your heart. Let God and the Lord Jesus wrap you in joy; see them reigning; see the angels helping you. Joy is our fuel. The joy of the Lord is to be our strength. That means we can tap into the same joy that energized Jesus to go the distance for us. Let s now close by looking at the definition of joy and the many uses of the most common Greek word translated joy in the NKJV. May God and Jesus help ignite their joy within you as you read these verses. Be fueled with their joy as you serve and enjoy life, living with the Lord of Lords as your brother and your Savior. Dictionary definition of JOY: 1 a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires: Delight
b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion: Gaiety 2 : a state of happiness or felicity: Bliss 3 : a source or cause of delight GREEK WORDS NKJV cara, chara 54 of 64, all the following verses are NKJV. Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matthew 13:20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. Matthew 25:23 His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.
Luke 1:14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. Luke 2:10 Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. Luke 8:13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Luke 10:17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name. Luke 15:7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 24:41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, Have you any food here? Luke 24:52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, John 3:29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 16:20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. John 16:21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no
longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. John 16:22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 17:13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. Acts 8:8 And there was great joy in that city. Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 15:3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 2 Corinthians 1:24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
2 Corinthians 2:3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 2 Corinthians 8:2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Philippians 1:4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, Philippians 1:25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, Philippians 2:2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. Colossians 1:11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 1 Thessalonians 1:6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
1 Thessalonians 2:20 For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 3:9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 2 Timothy 1:4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, Philemon 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, James 4:9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 1 Peter 1:8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 1 John 1:4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
2 John 12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth