Many people make their happiness their number one priority. Unfortunately, they often are not happy because happiness is elusive. The word “happy” or blessed appears 237 times in the Christian Bible. The Aramaic word for happy is “Saeid, " meaning “to celebrate.” Consequently, happiness is a state of well-being and contentment that external circumstances can influence. Does our Heavenly Father want us to have happiness or something better? Yes, the LORD does. He wants us to experience JOY. The word joy shows up over 430 times in the Bible. Joy is a more profound emotion from God and is not dependent on our situation. The Hebrew word for joy is “Simchah,” which means. “gratitude.” Joy is the foundation expression of having a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Joy is a gift from God to those who trust in him and obey His commands [Psalm 4:7; Psalm 21:6; Isaiah 35:10]. Joy reflects the gratitude of everything God grants us regardless of the circumstance or environment.
The Bible makes it urgent and imperative to have joy. The Bible says joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit [Galatians 5:22 -23] and describes the Kingdom of God [Romans 14 17]. Joy can coexist with challenges and difficulties. Joy recognizes the LORD as the ultimate source of joy [Psalms 16:11]. This joy surpasses momentary pleasures and is rooted in a deep, abiding relationship with our Creator.
One of the elements of our salvation is joy. God’s redemptive plan through Christ Jesus brings immeasurable joy and peace. The joy of salvation is not confined to a singular moment but extends through our lives, shaping our perspective and infusing hope into every aspect of our lives [Romans 15:13]. When we have joy, we maintain gratitude for living in all its dimensions. We express gratitude for everything we did have, do have, or will have. When we reminisce, we see how far the LORD has brought us, is bringing us, and will bring us. Gratitude expresses our joy in the LORD [ Psalms 37:4].
The Bible does not promise a life free from challenges but assures believers of joy even amid trials [James 1:2-3]. This perspective challenges the conventional understanding of joy, suggesting that trials can catalyze spiritual growth and resilience. In the biblical context, Joy is not contingent on the absence of difficulties but thrives in the steadfast assurance of God's faithfulness [Nehemiah 8:10].
Bishop John C. Parks
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