On Joy

“If you have no joy, there’s a leak in your Christianity somewhere.”
Billy Sunday

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I ran across the above quote by professional baseball player turned evangelist, Billy Sunday, while I was looking for inspirational quotes on the topic of joy. It is a pithy statement that sticks in your mind. If you are a Christian, it has a distinct ring of truth.

Following are several verses on joy from both the Old and New Testaments. Take a moment to read each one and note the source of joy in each verse.

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“Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10

“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.”
Psalm 5:11 NKJV

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11 NKJV

“Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”
Psalm 32:11 NKJV

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.“
John 15:11 NKJV

“for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.“
Romans 14:17 NKJV

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”
James 1:2 NLT

In this you greatly rejoice, though …you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, …may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:6-9 NKJV

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
1 Peter 4: 12-13 NKJV

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Did you notice that true joy is not the result of perfect circumstances? In fact, it is the adverse circumstances of tribulation, persecution, and trials that are to spark the most joy in us! Our joy is always tied to the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our lives. The joy of the Lord strengthens us. His presence, His defense, His Word, His Kingdom, His glory, His salvation all spark godly joy—joy unspeakable and full of glory!

Stop searching for the happiness that the world tells us comes from everything but God—possessions, careers, experiences, people, success, wealth, fame, power. The happiness that comes from such things is momentary and ultimately unfulfilling. Only by trusting in Jesus can we ever find true joy. Turn your eyes on Him.

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Featured Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay.

Billy Sunday (1862–1935) professional baseball player, evangelist