The Spirit of Joy 

Debbie Cook

San Diego, CA, USA

Scriptures: Luke 1:35-45, Luke 2:8-14, Philippians 4:4-5, Psalm 16:11, Galatians 5:22-23

Joy! What an emotion! Different from the outward expression of happiness, joy is a deep inner feeling which has transformative power. Although they are similar, joy transcends events and circumstances in our lives. Happiness reacts to them. By just hearing the word, you might recall a memory from childhood at Christmas … a time of wonder, peace, and excitement! One of my most joyful Christmas memories is when the whole family went for an open sleigh ride in the spectacular mountains of Breckenridge, Colorado, on a snowy winter night.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a French Jesuit priest, paleontologist and philosopher wrote what I think is the best definition of joy: “Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” That means joy doesn’t have to result in bubbly outward laughter and smiles. Joy has a power to touch the very core of our being in ways that allow us to remain joyful in even tragic situations.  

We see joy expressed in the scriptures by God’s creation and people. Even the Earth shouts for joy (Isaiah 49:13; 55:12). One notable occasion is when the infant John leapt for joy while still within his mother’s womb (Luke 1:41). Just as babies instinctively laugh before they can talk, this verse seems to suggest (either literally or figuratively) that John experienced joy too. Elizabeth is also filled with joy, a “spiritual fruit” and sign identifying the work of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). Mary, the mother of Jesus, simply enters her relative Elizabeth’s house and, instantly, the close presence of Jesus is known.

Joy is our soul’s reaction when we are close to God.  

As Christians, we have every reason to live lives marked with constant joy. Yet, we know all too well that thieves of joy exist around every bend. Our health, relational issues, jobs, stress, lack of money, fear and fatigue can conspire to steal our joy. Some days all at once!

I don’t know about you, but I’m not naturally an outwardly joyful person. My personality type and enneagram are melancholier, drawn toward solitude and introspection. Myers-Briggs describes it as “the advocate” in me. Other people exude joy and never seem to be out of smiles. But sadness, grief and loss are not confined by personality type. Many of us have had more than our normal challenges to being joyful lately.

Let me encourage you. Joy IS possible for you because The Lord is near.     

Since becoming a disciple 33 years ago, I have changed significantly to think and act more like Jesus and to try and experience His presence in all situations (Phil 4:4-7). Still, every day I must focus on choosing joy. I try to be deliberate and reframe my thoughts and my heart on the “good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10) — that Jesus, God in the flesh, came near. He is the light in the dark world and, given the recent painful events of the past 18 months, we need to be reminded of this Christmas gift more than ever! 

Sometimes when I am having a hard time feeling joy, I pray through a few scriptures. Try it with me:

•   Your thoughts are not my thoughts; Your ways are not my ways. Help me trust that Your ways and Your thoughts are higher than mine. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
•   Crown me with love and compassion; satisfy my desires with good things. (Psalm 103:4‑5)
•   Comfort me as a mother comforts her child. Open my eyes to see Your hand on my life so that my heart will rejoice, and I will flourish like grass. (Isaiah 66:13-14)
•   Satisfy me in the morning with Your unfailing love, that I may sing for joy and be glad all my days. (Psalm 90:14)
•   When I call to You for help and You answer, saying, “Here am I,” let me rejoice in Your presence and provision. (Isaiah 58:9)
•   Give me a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair in the face of unanswered prayer. Strengthen me. Make me an oak of righteousness where You can display your splendor. (Isaiah 61:3)

No matter the trials you face or life situation, whether happy or sad, may you be brought closer to the presence of God, invigorated in your faith, and experience deep joy this holiday season!

Questions to Consider:

1.      From the movie The Grinch, which character more closely describes you? The Mayor of Whoville or Cindy Lou Who?
2.      Do you agree that you can be joyful even in the middle of very difficult situations? How have you seen this to be true?
3.      Which of these Christmas carols do you like the most? What lyrics speak to you and why? 

•   Joy to the World
•   Silent Night
•   Hark the Herald Angels Sing
•   O Come, All Ye Faithful

4.      What helps you find joy when you are wrestling to be close to God? Share that pointer with a friend today!

What is one big or small way you can spread joy today? In the words of Schwartz from the movie A Christmas Story, “I double-dog dare you” to do it!