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Today, I use the word “nuance” in the title as “nuance” means “a subtle difference.”
Joy isn’t just a word used in many Christian songs, but it also, biblically, represents contentment. And examining joy in the Scriptures, we find it’s not a singular concept, but four nuances that, if woven correctly, allow us to enjoy life.
First Nuance: Joy from the Lord!
The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10b, ESV).
This verse indicates that joy comes from the Lord. It’s not something we encounter accidentally; it’s found in the presence of the Lord.
Example: In my morning prayers, I’m often burdened by things to do. . . upcoming God assignments, my own fears, and frustrations — resulting in no joy. As I cast my burdens upon the Lord incrementally, my joy returns, getting stronger with each casting (1 Peter 5:6-7), and then I have the strength to face the day.
Do you have this relational joy?
Second Nuance: Miraculous Joy!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy. . . (Galatians 5:22).
Joy is supernatural. We can’t conjure it through “works,” trying to feel better about ourselves, or even reading books authored by Jordan Peterson. It’s a gift of the Spirit received through our repentance that releases overcoming power.
Thank you, Jesus, for saving us and giving us the gift of joy.
It’s supernatural because joy coincides with our obedience to His calling in our lives. When we walk the narrow path of God’s will, we find joy in purpose.
Do you know your calling?
Third Nuance: Joys grow from trials
Read the following verse. Do you want these attributes?
That you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:4b).
Of course, we want to be perfect, complete, and lack nothing, by becoming super-saints, but James also explains how we become perfect, complete, and lack nothing. . .
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4).
Knowing trials as the path for perfection and a completeness that lacks nothing, do we now wobble in our commitment to become super-saints? Or do we value our connectedness with Jesus enough to endure anything that draws us closer to Him?
Do you count it all joy with difficulties or grumble too much?
Fourth Nuance: Others become our Joy!
When the Apostle Paul writes. . .
My dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work (Philippians 4:1, NLT).
He’s saying that “others” are his joy, which is diametrically opposed by worldly “seek first ourselves” philosophies of this age. Others, not self, is the final and often lost nuance of finding joy. Living for the sake of another — often at personal expense — follows the path of Paul.
Let’s remember the words of Hebrews 12:2a. . .
Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross.
Four nuances: Joy from the Lord, Miraculous Joy, Enduring Joy, and Serving-Others Joy, interconnected in our walk with Jesus and others, bring joy!