Biblical Answer

The Complexity of Joy

Present-day life is complicated. There is misery now, but great hope for the future. God has already begun the renewal that will take place, so there are opportunities for joy today, not just when eternity arrives. Our Double Joy is a concept that could argue that joy is the defining feature of a life organized around God. But its rarely the explosive happiness of an emotional high, dramatic yet fickle and fleeting. Its more like a quiet confidence that God is with us, even in the midst of chaos.

Finding Joy in Creation and Community

Joy is often linked with a well-ordered community, rather than dissension (Rom 14:17; 15:13; Eph 2:14-17). Patience deals with showing forbearance toward others. Joy takes our attention off ourselves and places it on God and all the things that have God as their source. This is why joy is always possible when we return to the cross and appreciate the beauty of what Jesus did. Appreciate the beauty of his sacrifice, his willingness to become like us. When we understand that joy comes from God, we are freed to take joy in the things he has blessed. He is the God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Tim. 6:17). We can find joy in creation and the church, and in many everyday activities like eating, drinking, working, feasting, gratitude, celebration, worship, and others.

The Practice of Joy

Joy is the antidote for boredom. It says, Look, God's glory is all around. Looking for joy is not just about finding happiness, but about discovering the beauty of God's creation and the community of believers. As Richard Foster said, Joy is the keynote of all the Disciplines. We can practice joy by engaging in activities that bring us closer to God, like solitude, fasting, or serving. With time and practice, joy can become a defining feature of our lives, a quiet confidence that God is with us, even in the midst of chaos. Joy is not just a feeling, but a choice we can make every day. By choosing to focus on God and his blessings, we can experience the joy that is available to us, even in the midst of chaos.