Biblical Answer

Joy: The Defining Feature of a Life Organized Around God

Joy is a profound and spiritual experience that arises from something unaffected by material things. It is deeper and higher than pleasure, which simply arises from physical or mental stimulation. Joy is a result of God's presence in our lives and is possible when we learn to enjoy the things that God enjoys. As the Bible says, "He is the God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment" (1 Tim. 6:17). This means that everything good in life can produce joy, including eating, drinking, working, creation, and the church.

Looking for Joy

To have joy, we must be willing to look for it. This requires a change of mindset, especially for those who are struggling with depression. We must welcome joy rather than feel like we are betraying our depression by looking for it. Joy is not something that we can manufacture, manipulate, or modify just to please ourselves. It is a spiritual experience that arises from God's presence in our lives. As we participate in God's joy, we experience a bond and a mutual understanding that are joys in themselves. This is the double delight of joy. We enjoy what God has given us, and there is a bond – a knowing smile – that we share with him.

The Source of Joy

The real object of joy is God. He is what all earthly joys reflect. Throughout history, people have experienced joy in the presence of God. For example, when the unborn John the Baptist leapt in the womb when he heard the news of the Messiah (Luke 1:44), then joy is within our reach as well. Finding joy in the Lord requires a willingness to look for it and to welcome it into our lives. As we focus on God and his presence in our lives, we experience joy that is deeper and higher than pleasure. This joy is possible, and it is our responsibility to choose to become experts in it. As the Bible says, "Choose to become an expert in joy. After all, joy is not something shallow, while joy is profound in two ways: it is deeper because joy arises from something unaffected by material things, and it is higher because joy permeates all levels of life and always affects emotions in a very positive way." (Psalm 16:11)