Several of my friends are in the midst of very un-joyful situations. A family accident.The loss of a treasured job abroad.The stress of a child with undiagnosed health problems.The total care of aging parents during a pandemic. 

Some of their pain I can almost feel. Some is distant. But they are my friends, we are all believers, and I want them to be happy. I want to bring joy into their life. Not an evil desire but what am I asking exactly? For someone not to have died? For the pandemic to have never happened? For the grandpa not to have gotten old? Would that bring joy? 

I got out some sermon notes and my Bible and concordance and did a little study on joy.I think it will be a focused study for this year!

We’re told to be joyful. Rejoice in the Lord. Delight yourself in the lord. Be glad in the Lord. Not a suggestion!

Joy awaits me in God’s presence. Joy in the company of the sovereign creator of the world!

Joy is not dependent on circumstances. The psalmist says in his time of trouble God will hide him and set him above his enemies. Yet, he will sing to the Lord.

Jesus told His listeners when they are insulted because of Him to rejoice in the day and leap for joy.

James called his readers to consider trials as pure joy because it leads to perseverance. 

Paul and Silas sang in jail – after being beaten! We don’t know what kind of hymns they were singing but I find it hard to sing anything if I’m sad.

Comparison and ingratitude are joy killers. Comparing can become almost a pastime on teams. The locals are doing it. Whose language is best? Who’s the fattest? Soon, we’re doing it to ourselves. Why do the neighbors talk to my husband more than me?

We can feel entitled. There’s no need to say thank you or show appreciation. One rarely is joyful when feeling unfairly ignored or disrespected.

Finally, joy is a gift to be shared. Today!