Where can we find joy?

Unspeakable Joy

“Joy unspeakable that won’t go away . . .” You might recognise this as a line from a kids’ song that has become popular at camps and Bible clubs! But in spite of singing this enthusiastically, even as believers, we often find that our joy has gone away. Why?

Is “unspeakable joy” just a dream which is out of our grasp?

The concept comes from 1 Peter 1:8: “Though you do not now see Him [Jesus], you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible [unspeakable] and filled with glory.” ESV

Surprisingly, at least to our human way of thinking, this verse flows out of teaching about believers’ faith being tested by trials (1 Peter 1:6 & 7). Therein lies our first clue about joy – joy is not dependent on our circumstances. This fact is backed up by the experience of Jesus Himself: “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

The Source of Joy

But where can we find joy? What is its source? It is well-known that joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) but what does that mean? Earlier in Galatians we read that, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (2:20), and how does Christ live in us? Through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the source of joy – the same Holy Spirit who indwells each believer.

However, we will not be free from the influence of our old nature, the flesh, until we reach Christ’s eternal kingdom. And it’s that influence which has the potential to dampen, squash or extinguish the Spirit-given joy of the Lord to which we have access. As a result, we have to choose daily, sometimes hourly, whether we will “walk by the Spirit” (5:16) and be “led by the Spirit” (5:18), or whether we will “gratify the desires of the flesh” (5:16). These choices will produce “fruit” – either the sorts of things described in 5:19-21, or the fruit of the Spirit, which includes joy (5:22-23).

Walking in the Spirit

If you’re like me, you struggle to know what it looks like to walk by the Spirit. Paul gives us some ideas in his letter to the church at Philippi, a letter where Paul often speaks of joy, even though he is writing from a prison cell!

Choose to partner with others in the gospel. “. . .making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel” (Philippians 1:4-5). Ministry, whether short-term or long-term, is all about partnering with other believers to bring the gospel to children, young people and adults. That will bring joy.

Choose to rejoice in the fact that Jesus is being proclaimed even if you have to undergo some hardships (Philippians 1:18). A choice like this will produce joy, even if we are struggling with tiredness, difficult relationships, or stress as we serve in our sphere of ministry.

Choose unity of purpose. Paul says, “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). When we remember that God has connected us with other believers who share the same goal – sharing Jesus with others – that quashes our selfishness, gives us patience with our differences, and promotes joy in our hearts.

Choose to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4, 10) – His provision, His faithfulness, His love, His salvation – the list is endless! Intentionally bringing to mind reasons to praise and thank the Lord will bring joy.

These are just a few examples of ways to walk in the Spirit. There are many more examples in the Bible. However, a correct perspective is key to them all: keeping our eyes looking up to the Lord and outward to others, rather than looking inward at ourselves. Biblical joy is not found in feelings or circumstances, but is developed in us by the Holy Spirit as we walk in step with Him (Galatians 5:25).

All Scripture references from the ESV.