Key Scripture: Psalm 51:12-13 

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Relevance

Have you ever tried to talk to someone about the Lord, but your spirit was as flat as a tack? You are talking, hot air is coming out,  but it's clear the Holy Spirit isn't involved.

In our key scripture, famous for being David's deep repentance for adultery with Bathsheba and arranging the murder of her husband, Uriah, we see the power of Joy in the heart of a believer.  

David said, without joy, he couldn't teach transgressors about the Lord, nor convert sinners. Joy is a critical fruit of the Spirit. 

In sin, there is no joy. It is replaced with lust disguised as joy, and it is temporary.

But, I don't want to focus on lust, wickedness, murder, adultery or any other extracurricular activity. I want to talk about the wonders of joy because God returned the joy of salvation to David, and he went on to express that joy in his kingdom and his Psalms. Psalms 144-150 are overflowing with joy, and it was bubbling over long after his sin was forgiven.

Joy is not happiness. Happiness relies heavily on good things happening, such as good health, good company and pleasant surroundings, etc.

Happiness and unhappiness can't co-exist. Whereas joy and sorrow can and do. Isaiah 53.3 says Jesus was a man of sorrows acquainted with grief, yet He had the fullness of Joy.  Hebrews 12.2. explains it succinctly and superbly. Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. This unique merging of joy during troubled times is the pinnacle where our Saviour would like us to join Him and many other disciples.

Paul & Silas were scourged & imprisoned. They had their feet bound in stocks, which hurt every second of the time. You could hardly call them happy. Yet, at midnight, they sang praises to God with such enthusiasm and joy that not only did it get them released, but it also brought the blessing of salvation to the jailer and his household. (Acts 16:23-33)

However, if we're not aware, sorrow can reign like depression without joy, because we've blocked the flow of joy by our self-preoccupation.

We can live only one of two lives: Self-pity, depression, anger at anything and dissatisfaction with everything. Or, we can revel in Jesus Christ and His glory, love, joy, and spiritual abundance. That's why the Lord sends His encouragement in Hebrews 12:12-13. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Joy is also a method of resisting Satan. Flick the switch and feel its power.

When we go through stuff, it's important to hang onto the Lord's characteristics, especially joy. If Jesus can endure the cross, while still holding joy high, we're also called to uphold the wonders of this life-changing quality.  As the song goes: Joy is the flag flown highFrom the castle of my heart...When the King is in residence there. So let it fly in the sky, let the whole world know...That the King is in residence there.

Praise His name!

Prayer

Precious Father, thank you so much for the fruit of joy and how remarkably it lifts our spirits as well as those around us. Your ways are too high and wonderful for us. We praise and glorify you.  

Photo by Preslie Hirsch