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SHOULDER TO SHOULDER #190 ---- 9/27/01

#1 · August 27, 2001, 2:55 am

Quote from Forum Archives on August 27, 2001, 2:55 am
Posted by: lifeunlimited <lifeunlimited@...>

Standing Shoulder To Shoulder Together As We
Fight the Good Fight of Faith

A personal letter of encouragement to you, written solely to "lift up hands that hang down".

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TO UNSUBSCRIBE send a blank message to [email protected] .
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SHOULDER TO SHOULDER #190 ---- 8/27/01

TITLE: "Be Joyful!"

My Dear Friend and Ministry Partner:

Greetings in the Lord today. It's a great time to be alive and rejoicing in the presence and provision of the Lord, isn't it!

True, not every day is one in which we think we have joy. Someone once said, "Life wouldn't be so bad if it weren't so daily." Maybe that's the way you feel today. There are some days when I wake up and say, "Good morning, Lord!" while at other times I want to say, "Good Lord! Morning!"

Which is it for you today.

This is actually the thought I've had on my mind for several days that I feel I need to share with you today. So, as I sit here, the thought again comes to mind as to how often I have written you about struggles, challenges, values, vision, and scores of other subjects that make up our lives of ministry.

As I thought about that last week the thought occurred to me: "How many times have I focused on the down side of ministry and have failed to encourage you about the privilege and blessing of ministry ---- the joy of ministry.

So, that's what I want to talk about today ---- "From Whence Comes Your Joy?"

This desire to share these thoughts actually comes from recent experiences I've personally had. Since returning from Bosnia and Croatia in June there have actually been some occasional days when I've had a little free time on my hands to just sit on the deck with Jo Ann and contemplate some of God's blessings. Last week I wrote to you about one of those . . . . . the blessings of special friendships with people who have crossed our paths.

Recently, as Jo Ann and I were enjoying an evening sunset and watching the squirrels scamper around gathering a few last minute nuts, a lone hummingbird feeding a few feet away, and a doe and her fawn grazing quietly in our yard near the edge of the woods, I began thinking about why I felt so "full" . . . . so blessed.

It was then I realized that my focus was very different from what it had been over the past months when we were so busy with events, experiences, and projects. I found myself thinking, "Now THIS is real fulfillment! I am so blessed . . . . so grateful . . . . so happy . . . . . so joyful!"

The thought of experiencing as nearly pure a joy I can remember led me to consider the matter of joy. What is joy anyhow? How do you get it? What are its characteristics? How can you tell what joy is? Is there a good definition or description? Is this what I feel right now?

It dawned on me at that moment . . . . . I don't have a clue about joy. Oh, yes, I know some of the stereotypic descriptions, and I know a number of scripture passages about it, but . . . . . how do you really define, explain, and experience pure joy? It's not necessarily exuberant and noisy. Sometimes it's quiet . . . . sometimes it generates contentment and peace while at other times it makes you want to shout.

All this got me to wondering . . . . . how many ministers today are experiencing "joy ---- unspeakable and full of glory" (I Pet 1:8)? As I looked back on my own track record, I realized there were not too many occasions when I could genuinely say I was experiencing and fully aware of true Biblical joy.

In going to my trusty concordance, I quickly saw it was impossible to cover this subject as thoroughly as I would want. I also realized that wasn't my real intent of writing you anyhow. Rather than give you all the scriptural references to joy (well over 200 times that I know of), I want to share some personal observations that may aid you in becoming a person filled with joy, right in your present circumstances. I do pray these thoughts bless and encourage you.

BASIC PRINCIPLES:

Here are some things I believe God has taught me over the years, some of them quite recently, about principles of real joy.

First, God never promised we would always be happy in life, let alone in ministry. One of my many mistakes was to assume that if God had really called me into vocational ministry, I would always be happy, and if I weren't happy, something was wrong with me. Nothing is further from the truth. There are no guarantees that ministry will be only happy experiences and circumstances.

As scripture says, it rains on the just and unjust alike. We're not living in Goshen anymore where God immunizes us from all the plagues and diseases, isolates us from all the enemy attacks, and protects us from unpleasant experiences and unhappy thoughts. We live in a real world made up of real people who do really stupid things sometimes. That's where we live and where we minister. We're not going to be constantly happy in every circumstance of life and ministry.

That fact brings me to say also that there is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is generated through life's experiences . . . . good experiences. Bad experiences don't produce happiness; they produce sadness, anger, disappointment, and so forth. Joy, on the other hand is generated from within, and can be present in every type of circumstance or condition. Therefore, it is obvious there is a difference.

That is a profound truth. You can have happy experiences, feel happy feelings, and think happy thoughts (as mothers often remind their children), but it doesn't guarantee joy. Why? Because they are two different things. A new job or some type of financial bonanza may bring you much happiness, but you can still be void of real joy. Happiness depends on events, experiences, circumstances, and people, while joy is generated from something deeper and something greater.

Therefore, it is important to realize that while we may not always be happy, we can always be full of joy. Because they emanate from two different sources, we can be assured that we can know joy in the midst of great adversity, disappointment, conflict, or heart ache. I've wondered just how many times I allowed such thieves of joy to steal me blind from something that was rightfully mine as God's dearly loved child.

Also, joy is already within us, a blessing and gift from God. We know this in principle because we recognize joy to be part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). However, how many of us recognize it in actual reality? It is essential that we realize joy already literally resides within us, even when it is not recognized, felt, or expressed. If we don't detect it, we must not deny its presence, but rather do whatever is necessary to discover what is trying to suffocate it.

Happiness comes from happenings, while joy comes from relationships. One way to discern whether you're feeling happiness or joy is to examine that which triggered its expression. True, happiness may be an initial response to an event or experience, but it needs to transform into real joy in order for it to have value. If you depend on happenings to make you feel good, then you'll be constantly off chasing every exciting experience, following every inviting trail, and experimenting with every new idea or toy that comes your way.

It's like being on drugs . . . . when the good feeling wears off, you go out searching for another "fix" to keep you going. That's one reason why so many ministers get themselves in deep trouble; they keep looking for new and more varied and exotic experiences to try. Tragically that can quickly lead to terrible consequences if left unchecked and unbridled.

Another truth God has taught me is that joy and sorrow or even unhappiness can coincide in our hearts at the same time. Satan often deceives us into thinking that if we're experiencing sadness, heart ache, discouragement, or some other "not so happy" sensation, that there's something wrong with us, and we cannot know real joy. People, on the other hand, may call us calloused, insensitive, and uncaring, if we experience joy in our hearts during a difficult circumstance. Be assured, though, that you can be blessed with joy under the most severe and disheartening circumstances.

Perhaps the most important truth God has taught me is that joy requires focusing on relationship rather than performance, circumstances, or adversities. The key to experiencing real joy under any type of condition is that we are concentrating on our Father God Who blesses us with "every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph 1:3). If you focus your attention on your circumstances, the committee that has suddenly surprised you with a recommendation you didn't want, the power block criticizing your ministry, the illness that is sucking the life from your spouse, or some other situation, joy will be stolen from your heart like a thief stealing precious jewels from a hidden safe.

You will never experience sustaining joy in your life unless you concentrate intimately on your Heavenly Father. Forget about the thrilling experiences. Don't pay attention to the new gimmicks and programs promising great success. Quit following after every great speaker and writer like a babbling "groupie" slobbering on the heels of a rock star. Your source of joy will be found in relationships, and not in events or circumstances.

I understand this truth to be the reason Jo Ann and I feel such joy when we're around these students about whom I wrote last week. This past Friday and Saturday we had eleven of them in our home for a Balkans Team reunion sleep over. What a time we had. And, Jo Ann and I just en-joyed hanging around with them, being with them, listening to them talk, laugh, and sing. And, it was all built on relationships.

That's how it is to be with God. Joy, pure and simple, comes from intimacy with God. If you think that isn't true, then take time to read some of David's Psalms, Job's narratives, Paul's instructions especially to the Philippian believers, and Jesus' remarks (particularly in John) to His disciples. Then to cap it off, take time to read all John had to say in his epistles.

BIBLICAL INSTRUCTION:

What, then, can we find regarding God's directives for us regarding the matter of living in joy? While these certainly are not exhaustive, here are some things I found by just searching through Scripture.

First, we rejoice by choice (See Philippians 4). While joy is first and foremost part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, its expression depends on our choice . . . . . our decision to rejoice. It has nothing to do with circumstances or feelings. It is a conscious choice on our part. If we want to be joyful, we must choose to be so.

True, joy often is triggered by experience or circumstance, but the continuation of it and the nurturing of it depends on what we decide. You can either fan it like a flame and sustain it with fresh "sticks" of praise and thanksgiving, or you can quench it with complaint or suffocate it with self pity.

The choice is yours to make.

Secondly, we need to see the connection between our joy and Jesus and His personal joy. He said, "These things I have spoken to you that My joy may be in you and you that your joy may be full" (John 15:11). This profound truth overwhelms time and space to adequately treat it here. All I can say is that what Jesus was telling us in John 15 regarding abiding in Him and living in His presence through prayer makes it possible for two things to happen. First, the personal joy that Jesus experiences can be implanted into us. You and I can actually experience the joy that Jesus experiences. Think of that! Astounding!

Also, it is His personal joy in us that makes our joy full and complete. I believe this is the only thing that will produce a joy that is rich, full, and totally satisfying. I found myself more than once these past several weeks leaning back in the chair on the deck just "stuffed" from feasting on the joy of the Lord and all His blessings. I wanted to clasp my hands behind my head, prop up my feet, take a deep breath, and just give out a great sigh of contentment, declaring, "Lord, that was a great meal! Thank you so much!"

There is a direct connection between our joy and that of Jesus.

I also believe we must see the relationship between joy and our response to what He says to us through His Word. "I tell you these things (what things?) that your joy may be full." This statement is also made by the Apostle of Love, John, in his first Epistle to the Church (1:4) ---- "I write you these things that our joy may be full or be made complete."

Therefore, in both cases it becomes evident that there is a direct link between the measure of our joy and the way we respond to what Jesus and the Biblical writers said. And, that really makes logical sense, doesn't it. Would you expect to be filled with joy when you have not heeded Jesus' instruction to us? I would hope not. On the other hand, obedience to His Word almost spontaneously releases a sense of joy and satisfaction in knowing we have listened, learned, and obeyed.

Next, we need to remember that we gain spiritual strength and energy from the joy of the Lord, particularly in times of sorrow and humility . . . . "The joy of the Lord is my strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). The setting is clear. God has called His people to repentance and cleansing following the rebuilding of the city walls and the temple in Jerusalem. Nehemiah exhorts them to not weep and mourn over the conviction the Holy Spirit was placing on them because of the past condition of the temple, but rather to rejoice. God had forgiven! God had cleansed! God had provided! God had offered joy to strengthen them.

I can tell you without hesitation my friend, that there have been many times when God has strengthened me simply by filling my heart with joy. When there is joy, there is hope. When there is joy, there is a renewed will to go on. When there is joy, there is a new awareness of acceptance by the Father. It's like a child who has been rebuked and corrected because of his failure. He is heart broken over his own sin and his father's harsh punishment. But, then the loving arm of the father reaches down, his hand wipes away the tear, and the father says, "I love you, my child. Don't cry any longer. Go wash your face. It's in the past, so now let's go on."

And . . . . joy returns to the heart of the child.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

If joy is to be a constant presence in our lives, regardless of circumstances or situation, whether personal or in ministry, then what are some things we need to know and do in order for joy to flow from our lives on a constant basis? It has to be something more than a performance mentality that shames us into action. It has to be an inner awareness that the Lord Jesus Christ desires that we be filled with joy, day in and day out.

Scripture is replete with situations where we need to rejoice, some of them seemingly impractical or unrealistic . . . . but nonetheless true. While I can't take the space or time to comment on them, let me suggest that God wants you to know joy in many situations . . . . and you can, if you will. Look this list over, add some of your own, and then find one or two to begin working on.

1. Joy can come in the middle of trials ---- "Count it all joy when you face various trials and temptations" (James 1:2).

2. Joy can be found in suffering, especially when we see the example of Jesus ---- "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the same, and has sat down at the right had of the throne of God" (Heb 12:2).

3. Joy can overcome sorrow ---- "Sorrow is turned into joy before Him" (Job 41:22).

4. Joy is found in God's presence. ---- "In Thy presence there is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11).

5. Even in the grief of death, joy can be found. ---- "Joy in heaven in the death of one of His saints"

6. We can offer the shout of joy even among our enemies ---- "Now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me; and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord" (Ps 27:6).

7. Joy is promised even when God chastises us ---- "His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning" (Ps 30:5 See also Psalm 51:8).

8. Joy is found in God's salvation, and that joy can be immediately restored ---- "Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation" (Ps 51:12).

9. Joyful shouting will be the result of any painful, laborious, sorrowful seed planting of the Gospel ---- "They that sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him" (Ps 126:5-6).

10. There is joy for those who are peace makers ---- "Counselors of peace have joy" (Prov 12:20).

11. Joy abounds when you remember your salvation ---- "Therefore you will joyously draw water from the wells of salvation" (See Isa 12:1-6).

There are so many more in the Old Testament!

Now consider these:

12. Joy flows when you discover the spiritual authority God has given you ---- "The seventy returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!'" (Luke 10:17).

13. There is unbelievable and unabated joy in heaven over the salvation of a lost sinner ---- "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7). "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10).

14. The reality of the risen and ascended Christ releases joy ---- "while He was blessing them, He parted from them. And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God" (Luke 24:51-53).

15. Joy that Jesus gives is permanent ---- "These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you" (John 15:11).

16. The limitless joy that Jesus gives completes our incomplete joy ---- "These things I have spoken to you . . . that your joy may be made full and complete" (John 15:11)

17. The reality of Christ's resurrection fills us with joy that cannot be taken away ---- "You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned to joy . . . no man takes away from you" (John 16:20-22).

18. God fills us with joy when we ask of Him in the name of Christ ---- "Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full" (John 16:24).

19. Joy can be a constant presence in your life ---- "And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 13:52).

20. Sharing reports of God's blessings generates overwhelming joy in our hearts ---- "Being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and were bringing great joy to all the brethren" (Acts 15:3).

21. Praying for fellow believers generates inner joy ---- "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all" (Phil 1:3-4).

22. Right relationships with fellow believers brings joy that is complete and fulfilling ---- "make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united spirit, intent on one purpose" (Phil 2:2).

23. Even in the midst of tribulation, there is joy when you receive God's Word willingly ---- "You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example . . . " (I Thes 1:6-7).

24. Willfully choosing constant joy is a command to be obeyed ---- "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil 4:4).

25. Knowing others are concerned for you and are praying for you brings joy ---- "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me;" (Phil 4:10).

26. Seeing those under your charge walking in truth fills you with great joy ---- "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth" (III John 1:4).

FINALLY:

So, my friend . . . . do you have joy today? Do you feel joyful? Or, are you allowing the burdens, disappointments, work load, and other things rip your gaze away from the Lord Jesus Christ, the source, object, and sustainer of joy?

If you aren't experiencing joy, perhaps you're looking the wrong direction. Joy won't be found in your recent church services; it won't be found in whether or not someone complimented you on your sermon. It won't be found in having a record attendance.

It's found in only one place ---- in the intimate presence of the Lord.

And it's that type of joy that sustains you and keeps you going when the "happenings" produce either no or only short lived happiness. (rewrite)

I am convinced that a major ingredient to contented and effective sustained ministry that doesn't fade is the element of joy. When there is joy in what you do, you will continue doing it without debilitating weariness. When there is no joy, you can hardly place one foot ahead of the other.

So, I guess I'm urging you today to "Rejoice By Choice!" Choose joy over complaining. Embrace joy over discouragement. No matter your circumstance, you can rejoice. I know . . . . I've done it. I can't say it strongly enough ---- no matter the situation, you can be filled with joy.

How?

If I had any words of encouragement about how to become a person living in joy, it would be these simple things.

First, take time to consider all the ways God has expressed His love to you and has blessed you. Look at the people whose lives are changed because of you. Remember the times when God has been faithful to see you through situations. Take time to write some of them down.

Second, I would urge you to audibly thank God for His faithfulness, His patience, and His sustaining sufficiency. I'd be specific. I'd take all the time needed.

Third, I'd sing praises and quote scripture relating to God's promises and His nature. I'd fill my mouth with praise to Him.

Finally, I'd find someone to whom I could tell of God's faithfulness and blessings.

Oh, how I desire joy for you, my friend. May you be overwhelmed with joy over knowing, loving, and serving such a great God.

Have a joyous week!

In His Bond,

Bob Tolliver -- Rom 1:11-12
Copyright August, 2001

Life Unlimited Ministries
[email protected]
Do You Get "Shoulder To Shoulder"?

Posted by: lifeunlimited <lifeunlimited@...>

Standing Shoulder To Shoulder Together As We
Fight the Good Fight of Faith

A personal letter of encouragement to you, written solely to "lift up hands that hang down".

TO SUBSCRIBE send a blank message to [email protected] .
TO UNSUBSCRIBE send a blank message to [email protected] .
IN EACH CASE you will receive an automated request for confirmation which you must answer.
FOR BACK COPIES go to http://www.welovegod.org/digests/shoulders . Click on "Read Messages"

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER #190 ---- 8/27/01

TITLE: "Be Joyful!"

My Dear Friend and Ministry Partner:

Greetings in the Lord today. It's a great time to be alive and rejoicing in the presence and provision of the Lord, isn't it!

True, not every day is one in which we think we have joy. Someone once said, "Life wouldn't be so bad if it weren't so daily." Maybe that's the way you feel today. There are some days when I wake up and say, "Good morning, Lord!" while at other times I want to say, "Good Lord! Morning!"

Which is it for you today.

This is actually the thought I've had on my mind for several days that I feel I need to share with you today. So, as I sit here, the thought again comes to mind as to how often I have written you about struggles, challenges, values, vision, and scores of other subjects that make up our lives of ministry.

As I thought about that last week the thought occurred to me: "How many times have I focused on the down side of ministry and have failed to encourage you about the privilege and blessing of ministry ---- the joy of ministry.

So, that's what I want to talk about today ---- "From Whence Comes Your Joy?"

This desire to share these thoughts actually comes from recent experiences I've personally had. Since returning from Bosnia and Croatia in June there have actually been some occasional days when I've had a little free time on my hands to just sit on the deck with Jo Ann and contemplate some of God's blessings. Last week I wrote to you about one of those . . . . . the blessings of special friendships with people who have crossed our paths.

Recently, as Jo Ann and I were enjoying an evening sunset and watching the squirrels scamper around gathering a few last minute nuts, a lone hummingbird feeding a few feet away, and a doe and her fawn grazing quietly in our yard near the edge of the woods, I began thinking about why I felt so "full" . . . . so blessed.

It was then I realized that my focus was very different from what it had been over the past months when we were so busy with events, experiences, and projects. I found myself thinking, "Now THIS is real fulfillment! I am so blessed . . . . so grateful . . . . so happy . . . . . so joyful!"

The thought of experiencing as nearly pure a joy I can remember led me to consider the matter of joy. What is joy anyhow? How do you get it? What are its characteristics? How can you tell what joy is? Is there a good definition or description? Is this what I feel right now?

It dawned on me at that moment . . . . . I don't have a clue about joy. Oh, yes, I know some of the stereotypic descriptions, and I know a number of scripture passages about it, but . . . . . how do you really define, explain, and experience pure joy? It's not necessarily exuberant and noisy. Sometimes it's quiet . . . . sometimes it generates contentment and peace while at other times it makes you want to shout.

All this got me to wondering . . . . . how many ministers today are experiencing "joy ---- unspeakable and full of glory" (I Pet 1:8)? As I looked back on my own track record, I realized there were not too many occasions when I could genuinely say I was experiencing and fully aware of true Biblical joy.

In going to my trusty concordance, I quickly saw it was impossible to cover this subject as thoroughly as I would want. I also realized that wasn't my real intent of writing you anyhow. Rather than give you all the scriptural references to joy (well over 200 times that I know of), I want to share some personal observations that may aid you in becoming a person filled with joy, right in your present circumstances. I do pray these thoughts bless and encourage you.

BASIC PRINCIPLES:

Here are some things I believe God has taught me over the years, some of them quite recently, about principles of real joy.

First, God never promised we would always be happy in life, let alone in ministry. One of my many mistakes was to assume that if God had really called me into vocational ministry, I would always be happy, and if I weren't happy, something was wrong with me. Nothing is further from the truth. There are no guarantees that ministry will be only happy experiences and circumstances.

As scripture says, it rains on the just and unjust alike. We're not living in Goshen anymore where God immunizes us from all the plagues and diseases, isolates us from all the enemy attacks, and protects us from unpleasant experiences and unhappy thoughts. We live in a real world made up of real people who do really stupid things sometimes. That's where we live and where we minister. We're not going to be constantly happy in every circumstance of life and ministry.

That fact brings me to say also that there is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is generated through life's experiences . . . . good experiences. Bad experiences don't produce happiness; they produce sadness, anger, disappointment, and so forth. Joy, on the other hand is generated from within, and can be present in every type of circumstance or condition. Therefore, it is obvious there is a difference.

That is a profound truth. You can have happy experiences, feel happy feelings, and think happy thoughts (as mothers often remind their children), but it doesn't guarantee joy. Why? Because they are two different things. A new job or some type of financial bonanza may bring you much happiness, but you can still be void of real joy. Happiness depends on events, experiences, circumstances, and people, while joy is generated from something deeper and something greater.

Therefore, it is important to realize that while we may not always be happy, we can always be full of joy. Because they emanate from two different sources, we can be assured that we can know joy in the midst of great adversity, disappointment, conflict, or heart ache. I've wondered just how many times I allowed such thieves of joy to steal me blind from something that was rightfully mine as God's dearly loved child.

Also, joy is already within us, a blessing and gift from God. We know this in principle because we recognize joy to be part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). However, how many of us recognize it in actual reality? It is essential that we realize joy already literally resides within us, even when it is not recognized, felt, or expressed. If we don't detect it, we must not deny its presence, but rather do whatever is necessary to discover what is trying to suffocate it.

Happiness comes from happenings, while joy comes from relationships. One way to discern whether you're feeling happiness or joy is to examine that which triggered its expression. True, happiness may be an initial response to an event or experience, but it needs to transform into real joy in order for it to have value. If you depend on happenings to make you feel good, then you'll be constantly off chasing every exciting experience, following every inviting trail, and experimenting with every new idea or toy that comes your way.

It's like being on drugs . . . . when the good feeling wears off, you go out searching for another "fix" to keep you going. That's one reason why so many ministers get themselves in deep trouble; they keep looking for new and more varied and exotic experiences to try. Tragically that can quickly lead to terrible consequences if left unchecked and unbridled.

Another truth God has taught me is that joy and sorrow or even unhappiness can coincide in our hearts at the same time. Satan often deceives us into thinking that if we're experiencing sadness, heart ache, discouragement, or some other "not so happy" sensation, that there's something wrong with us, and we cannot know real joy. People, on the other hand, may call us calloused, insensitive, and uncaring, if we experience joy in our hearts during a difficult circumstance. Be assured, though, that you can be blessed with joy under the most severe and disheartening circumstances.

Perhaps the most important truth God has taught me is that joy requires focusing on relationship rather than performance, circumstances, or adversities. The key to experiencing real joy under any type of condition is that we are concentrating on our Father God Who blesses us with "every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph 1:3). If you focus your attention on your circumstances, the committee that has suddenly surprised you with a recommendation you didn't want, the power block criticizing your ministry, the illness that is sucking the life from your spouse, or some other situation, joy will be stolen from your heart like a thief stealing precious jewels from a hidden safe.

You will never experience sustaining joy in your life unless you concentrate intimately on your Heavenly Father. Forget about the thrilling experiences. Don't pay attention to the new gimmicks and programs promising great success. Quit following after every great speaker and writer like a babbling "groupie" slobbering on the heels of a rock star. Your source of joy will be found in relationships, and not in events or circumstances.

I understand this truth to be the reason Jo Ann and I feel such joy when we're around these students about whom I wrote last week. This past Friday and Saturday we had eleven of them in our home for a Balkans Team reunion sleep over. What a time we had. And, Jo Ann and I just en-joyed hanging around with them, being with them, listening to them talk, laugh, and sing. And, it was all built on relationships.

That's how it is to be with God. Joy, pure and simple, comes from intimacy with God. If you think that isn't true, then take time to read some of David's Psalms, Job's narratives, Paul's instructions especially to the Philippian believers, and Jesus' remarks (particularly in John) to His disciples. Then to cap it off, take time to read all John had to say in his epistles.

BIBLICAL INSTRUCTION:

What, then, can we find regarding God's directives for us regarding the matter of living in joy? While these certainly are not exhaustive, here are some things I found by just searching through Scripture.

First, we rejoice by choice (See Philippians 4). While joy is first and foremost part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, its expression depends on our choice . . . . . our decision to rejoice. It has nothing to do with circumstances or feelings. It is a conscious choice on our part. If we want to be joyful, we must choose to be so.

True, joy often is triggered by experience or circumstance, but the continuation of it and the nurturing of it depends on what we decide. You can either fan it like a flame and sustain it with fresh "sticks" of praise and thanksgiving, or you can quench it with complaint or suffocate it with self pity.

The choice is yours to make.

Secondly, we need to see the connection between our joy and Jesus and His personal joy. He said, "These things I have spoken to you that My joy may be in you and you that your joy may be full" (John 15:11). This profound truth overwhelms time and space to adequately treat it here. All I can say is that what Jesus was telling us in John 15 regarding abiding in Him and living in His presence through prayer makes it possible for two things to happen. First, the personal joy that Jesus experiences can be implanted into us. You and I can actually experience the joy that Jesus experiences. Think of that! Astounding!

Also, it is His personal joy in us that makes our joy full and complete. I believe this is the only thing that will produce a joy that is rich, full, and totally satisfying. I found myself more than once these past several weeks leaning back in the chair on the deck just "stuffed" from feasting on the joy of the Lord and all His blessings. I wanted to clasp my hands behind my head, prop up my feet, take a deep breath, and just give out a great sigh of contentment, declaring, "Lord, that was a great meal! Thank you so much!"

There is a direct connection between our joy and that of Jesus.

I also believe we must see the relationship between joy and our response to what He says to us through His Word. "I tell you these things (what things?) that your joy may be full." This statement is also made by the Apostle of Love, John, in his first Epistle to the Church (1:4) ---- "I write you these things that our joy may be full or be made complete."

Therefore, in both cases it becomes evident that there is a direct link between the measure of our joy and the way we respond to what Jesus and the Biblical writers said. And, that really makes logical sense, doesn't it. Would you expect to be filled with joy when you have not heeded Jesus' instruction to us? I would hope not. On the other hand, obedience to His Word almost spontaneously releases a sense of joy and satisfaction in knowing we have listened, learned, and obeyed.

Next, we need to remember that we gain spiritual strength and energy from the joy of the Lord, particularly in times of sorrow and humility . . . . "The joy of the Lord is my strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). The setting is clear. God has called His people to repentance and cleansing following the rebuilding of the city walls and the temple in Jerusalem. Nehemiah exhorts them to not weep and mourn over the conviction the Holy Spirit was placing on them because of the past condition of the temple, but rather to rejoice. God had forgiven! God had cleansed! God had provided! God had offered joy to strengthen them.

I can tell you without hesitation my friend, that there have been many times when God has strengthened me simply by filling my heart with joy. When there is joy, there is hope. When there is joy, there is a renewed will to go on. When there is joy, there is a new awareness of acceptance by the Father. It's like a child who has been rebuked and corrected because of his failure. He is heart broken over his own sin and his father's harsh punishment. But, then the loving arm of the father reaches down, his hand wipes away the tear, and the father says, "I love you, my child. Don't cry any longer. Go wash your face. It's in the past, so now let's go on."

And . . . . joy returns to the heart of the child.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

If joy is to be a constant presence in our lives, regardless of circumstances or situation, whether personal or in ministry, then what are some things we need to know and do in order for joy to flow from our lives on a constant basis? It has to be something more than a performance mentality that shames us into action. It has to be an inner awareness that the Lord Jesus Christ desires that we be filled with joy, day in and day out.

Scripture is replete with situations where we need to rejoice, some of them seemingly impractical or unrealistic . . . . but nonetheless true. While I can't take the space or time to comment on them, let me suggest that God wants you to know joy in many situations . . . . and you can, if you will. Look this list over, add some of your own, and then find one or two to begin working on.

1. Joy can come in the middle of trials ---- "Count it all joy when you face various trials and temptations" (James 1:2).

2. Joy can be found in suffering, especially when we see the example of Jesus ---- "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the same, and has sat down at the right had of the throne of God" (Heb 12:2).

3. Joy can overcome sorrow ---- "Sorrow is turned into joy before Him" (Job 41:22).

4. Joy is found in God's presence. ---- "In Thy presence there is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11).

5. Even in the grief of death, joy can be found. ---- "Joy in heaven in the death of one of His saints"

6. We can offer the shout of joy even among our enemies ---- "Now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me; and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord" (Ps 27:6).

7. Joy is promised even when God chastises us ---- "His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning" (Ps 30:5 See also Psalm 51:8).

8. Joy is found in God's salvation, and that joy can be immediately restored ---- "Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation" (Ps 51:12).

9. Joyful shouting will be the result of any painful, laborious, sorrowful seed planting of the Gospel ---- "They that sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him" (Ps 126:5-6).

10. There is joy for those who are peace makers ---- "Counselors of peace have joy" (Prov 12:20).

11. Joy abounds when you remember your salvation ---- "Therefore you will joyously draw water from the wells of salvation" (See Isa 12:1-6).

There are so many more in the Old Testament!

Now consider these:

12. Joy flows when you discover the spiritual authority God has given you ---- "The seventy returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!'" (Luke 10:17).

13. There is unbelievable and unabated joy in heaven over the salvation of a lost sinner ---- "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7). "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10).

14. The reality of the risen and ascended Christ releases joy ---- "while He was blessing them, He parted from them. And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God" (Luke 24:51-53).

15. Joy that Jesus gives is permanent ---- "These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you" (John 15:11).

16. The limitless joy that Jesus gives completes our incomplete joy ---- "These things I have spoken to you . . . that your joy may be made full and complete" (John 15:11)

17. The reality of Christ's resurrection fills us with joy that cannot be taken away ---- "You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned to joy . . . no man takes away from you" (John 16:20-22).

18. God fills us with joy when we ask of Him in the name of Christ ---- "Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full" (John 16:24).

19. Joy can be a constant presence in your life ---- "And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 13:52).

20. Sharing reports of God's blessings generates overwhelming joy in our hearts ---- "Being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and were bringing great joy to all the brethren" (Acts 15:3).

21. Praying for fellow believers generates inner joy ---- "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all" (Phil 1:3-4).

22. Right relationships with fellow believers brings joy that is complete and fulfilling ---- "make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united spirit, intent on one purpose" (Phil 2:2).

23. Even in the midst of tribulation, there is joy when you receive God's Word willingly ---- "You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example . . . " (I Thes 1:6-7).

24. Willfully choosing constant joy is a command to be obeyed ---- "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil 4:4).

25. Knowing others are concerned for you and are praying for you brings joy ---- "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me;" (Phil 4:10).

26. Seeing those under your charge walking in truth fills you with great joy ---- "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth" (III John 1:4).

FINALLY:

So, my friend . . . . do you have joy today? Do you feel joyful? Or, are you allowing the burdens, disappointments, work load, and other things rip your gaze away from the Lord Jesus Christ, the source, object, and sustainer of joy?

If you aren't experiencing joy, perhaps you're looking the wrong direction. Joy won't be found in your recent church services; it won't be found in whether or not someone complimented you on your sermon. It won't be found in having a record attendance.

It's found in only one place ---- in the intimate presence of the Lord.

And it's that type of joy that sustains you and keeps you going when the "happenings" produce either no or only short lived happiness. (rewrite)

I am convinced that a major ingredient to contented and effective sustained ministry that doesn't fade is the element of joy. When there is joy in what you do, you will continue doing it without debilitating weariness. When there is no joy, you can hardly place one foot ahead of the other.

So, I guess I'm urging you today to "Rejoice By Choice!" Choose joy over complaining. Embrace joy over discouragement. No matter your circumstance, you can rejoice. I know . . . . I've done it. I can't say it strongly enough ---- no matter the situation, you can be filled with joy.

How?

If I had any words of encouragement about how to become a person living in joy, it would be these simple things.

First, take time to consider all the ways God has expressed His love to you and has blessed you. Look at the people whose lives are changed because of you. Remember the times when God has been faithful to see you through situations. Take time to write some of them down.

Second, I would urge you to audibly thank God for His faithfulness, His patience, and His sustaining sufficiency. I'd be specific. I'd take all the time needed.

Third, I'd sing praises and quote scripture relating to God's promises and His nature. I'd fill my mouth with praise to Him.

Finally, I'd find someone to whom I could tell of God's faithfulness and blessings.

Oh, how I desire joy for you, my friend. May you be overwhelmed with joy over knowing, loving, and serving such a great God.

Have a joyous week!

In His Bond,

Life Unlimited Ministries
[email protected]
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