Joy differs greatly from happiness. Happiness is dependent on happenings, and there will only be happy-ness if the circumstances have all been favorable. But joy… it is rooted deep in the soul where it is sustained by the Source of Living Waters. It sees past the present circumstances to a Promise of God to “make all things work together for good.” It sees the bigger picture and smiles with the understanding that God is in ultimate control, always.
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians, often referred to as the “Book of Joy.” It’s not coincidental that it was written from prison; this was God’s doing, revealing to us that our placement, our difficulties, our situation, should have no bearings on our joy when it is rooted in Him. Joy is beyond our circumstances.
When the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were living out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night, he proclaimed, “Fear not! For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10, 11). This GREAT JOY that was for ALL people, was Immanuel-God with us.
This was a historical event of huge proportions! The angelic realm, almost always invisible, was visible! They came with a message from God Himself! His Holy Son had entered humanity!
Jesus had come, not in a perfect time, but a time of Roman occupation. The taxes were excruciatingly high, forcing poverty upon everyone. Hope was in short supply, as was their weary longing for a deliverer to help them escape this tyranny. Into this bleakness, Hope and Joy came!
As the Shepherds followed the star to the Christ Child, so much joy filled their hearts that it was uncontainable! “When (after) they had seen Him, they spread the word that had been told them concerning this Child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:16-18)
Friends, our joy has not only come, but resides within our very hearts. Like a beautiful sunrise over a stormy sea, we know our joy isn’t tethered to this earth, with its highs and lows, but it is anchored in the One who does “all things well.” May we find such deep joy in the knowledge that “the joy of the Lord is our strength,” and that nothing can take that from us, and no circumstance can vaporize it; it is here to stay.
Rejoice!
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