The Promise of Joy
Through the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 35), God said that the parched desert will be brought to increase. The wild places will display a type of beauty never seen before. He pointed to the crocus plant, a beautiful flower, as an example of unexpected joy.
The Lord gave numerous examples of places where joy will not only appear but also bloom and grow without being expected by humans. We are encouraged to look for joy because God is the creator of joy. It will spring up by the power of God.
In the New Testament, Paul, sitting in a cold, smelly, dark, nasty jail, wrote a letter to the Philippians talking about joy in the life of a believer. As we examine Philippians 4:4-8, we read that Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Paul is sitting in a dirty jail, with no indoor plumbing, no running water and no good ventilation to get the stench out, and he said to believers, “Rejoice!” Even if you find yourself in a place of dire circumstance, “Rejoice!”
Paul instructed believers to demonstrate the spirit of gentleness so that others can witness gentleness at work when joy would seem impossible. This great apostle is urging us to go beyond rhetoric and demonstrate spiritual maturity even in the depths of challenges. He advises the Philippians and modern-day believers facing challenges to pray. Onlookers might say you are complaining or begging, but Paul said to “present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:7-8 nudges us even further to lean on God, who will protect not only our minds but our hearts. Leaning can bring us into a deeper relationship with God. It is unfortunate that, as humans, we often see ourselves as architects of solutions when things are going well, while minimizing the hand of God in our lives.
Finally, Paul instructs believers to press reset on their minds. It is the task of clearing the mind of the trash the world has deposited, so that focus can be channeled to the things of God.
Looking once again at Philippians, the word reminds us that none of us can go and get joy. We receive joy! Joy is a gift from God, which is given to believers as we walk through seasons of adversity. It is that gift that lifts us above the waves of despair. We do not grab hold of joy. God gifts us this precious supernatural covering. It is not about working harder or believing more fully. You must receive it by surrendering to the Lord.
As you position yourself to receive joy, remember we are called to demonstrate gentleness. Gentleness is not weakness! Just as God has given the crocus plant the strength to push through the baked soil (Isaiah 35:2), God has given you the strength to break the bondage of any ungodly situation. But in that strength, you stand in gentleness, not weakness. It is a choice! You choose not to revert to that old nature so that you can bring honor to God.
An essential part of positioning oneself to receive the gift of joy is meditation. Meditation is relevant because it is an intentional, focused acknowledgment of God’s Word, His promises and His character (love, faithfulness, holiness). It is shutting out the distractions that would prevent you from engaging in meaningful interaction with God. It is you, not running after joy, but positioning yourself to receive a wonderful gift from God.
