JOY: Whence Cometh It?

by an Old Disciple of Jesus Christ

Paul writes to the brethren at Rome, “Now… God… fill you with all joy and peace… in believing.” And Peter tells the scattered saints in various areas, “yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” 

I read once that an artist should never paint a picture of a forest without showing a way out. It is not sufficient to tell God’s people that they should have joy; they must be shown the way to obtain it. It is not something we work-up, but rather something that God has worked-in. You don’t get joy, you already have it, Jesus bequeathed it to us (Jn. 15:11 cp. 17:13). One may not manifest joy in his or her life, but nonetheless, the seed still lies in the bosom, though dormant. 

Joy comes in believing, that is, believing God’s precious promises. Belief is always prerequisite to true Biblical joy. As someone has said, “In seeking “unspeakable joy,” you must start at its fountainhead; “in believing.” Some of us do not realize the seriousness of a life void of joy. Andrew A Bonar says, “ ‘Rejoice!’ is as much a command as ‘Repent.” 

I think if we were “filled with all joy” it would push out everything else that is troubling us. If we allow joy to fill every crevice of our fearful hearts, the peace we so long for in this troubled world promises to follow on joys heels. 

“It is owing to the weakness of our faith that we are so much wanting in joy and peace.” (Matthew Henry)

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