3 Reasons to Choose Joy - Carla D Burnette

Isn’t it refreshing to be around someone full of joy? They uplift your spirit and brighten your day. As Christians, we have joy because of Jesus Christ. We pray this joy is evident to others around us, whether it be strangers, casual acquaintances, relatives or friends. Not just in conversation but by our demeanor as well.

Before we discuss the reasons to choose joy, let’s define joy and learn more about its source.

What is Joy?

According to The Lexham Bible Dictionary, joy is “closely related to gladness and happiness, although joy is more a state of being than an emotion; a result of choice”. The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary describes joy as a “state of delight and well being that results from knowing and serving God. Joy is the fruit of a right relation with God. It is not something people can create by their own efforts.”

From these definitions, we see that joy is an outcome of choice, a fruit resulting from our relationship with God. Let’s look at a Scripture passage which proves this concept.

In John 15:11, Jesus says, ‘“I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete”’.

What things is Jesus referring to? In verses 1-10 of John 15, Jesus explains to His disciples the importance of remaining in Him. “In the context of this passage, it [remaining in Christ] seems to emphasize an ongoing faith and loving obedience to the Father and the Son that results in fruit. What results from remaining in Christ? Joy, and a lasting friendship with Jesus,” states the Holman New Testament Commentary.

We see that spending time with Jesus and obeying Him results in joy. With this in mind, let’s explore the reasons to choose joy.

Why Choose Joy?

First, Scripture tells us that “the joy of the Lord is [our] strength” (Nehemiah 8:10 CSB).

The joy of knowing who Jesus is and what He has done for us carries us through the dark times.

Knowing such things as:

We have been set free from sin and granted eternal life in heaven (Romans 8:2, John 3:16). Since this world is not our permanent home, we look forward to spending eternity in heaven with Jesus.

Our light and momentary troubles do not compare to the glory that awaits us in heaven (Romans 8:18). We have hope in Jesus (Hebrews 6:19).

Jesus is always with us and intercedes for us (Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:34). We have nothing to fear.

Because of Jesus, we have peace with God (Romans 5:1). “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). God is more powerful than anything we will ever face.

Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ (Romans 8:38-39). We are His beloved children (Romans 8:16, I John 3:1).

How Joy is Our Strength

When we remember who Jesus is and what He has done for us, we can’t help but respond with joy. This joy is our strength.

Let’s look at a specific example from the Bible which demonstrates this.

Turning to Acts 16:23-25, we read that Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown in prison for declaring the way of salvation through Jesus Christ. Despite these circumstances and with shackles on their feet, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God. The other prisoners in the jail listened to them.

Paul and Silas’ joy of the Lord sustained them through this difficult time. They kept their focus on the Lord by rejoicing and praying.

We may feel shackled by our circumstances or feelings. But lifting a sound of praise shifts our focus away from the situation and onto the Lord giving us strength to endure. Praising God causes us to remember that God is in control. Because He sees us and is with us, we do not need to fear. We can rest in His faithfulness.

Second, the joy of the Lord impacts those around us.

In the story of Paul and Silas, we do not know the full effect their singing had on the other prisoners. However, the fact that the prisoners listened gave the Lord an opportunity to move in their hearts while they thought about what they heard.

Similarly, we never know the impact our joy may have on those who are watching us. What a witness for Christ when we have joy in spite of difficult circumstances. People will be drawn to us and desire what we have, which is Jesus.

Third, joy sets Christians apart from the world.

Without Christ, a person cannot have true joy, for joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When we remain in Jesus, we produce fruit. But apart from Him, we are unable to produce fruit (John 15:5). Therefore, people will know we are Christians by our joy.

From our study, we learned 3 reasons to choose joy:

Joy is our strength.
Joy impacts others.
Joy distinguishes us as Christians.

Friends let’s not allow people or circumstances to steal our joy. Let’s keep our minds fixed on God by spending time in His presence, recalling His faithfulness and responding in obedience. Then we will reflect the joy of the Lord to those around us and be effective witnesses for Christ.

Father, You are our joy. Thank You for sending Jesus to save us and reconcile us back with You. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You and to remember what Jesus has done for us. May You be glorified through us. We love You and honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Additional Scripture References:

Psalm 16:11b, “in Your presence is abundant joy” (CSB).

I Peter 1:8-9, “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (CSB).

Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (CSB).