And now we are laying the next brick in the wall of the house of happiness, and it is called ‘I rejoice.’
Joy is a state of the soul that is always confused with happiness. Unlike happiness, joy is often temporary and depends on a person’s emotional state, on changeable external factors, or on the circumstances in which a person finds himself.
Joy is an inner emotional satisfaction with one’s circumstances, pleasures, and awareness of happiness, often expressed through a smile, singing, joyful words and exclamations, and unusual bodily movements.
You can distinguish a joyful person from an ordinary one by his smile and the radiance in his eyes.
I have discovered several kinds of joy for myself.
Malicious joy is gloating. It too is joy, but it is based on distorted moral values and on taking pleasure in the failures or misfortunes of others. But that is not what we are discussing now.
Emotional joy is a temporary state of the soul that depends on various external or internal factors—for example, the weather, one’s physical well-being, one’s surroundings, financial circumstances, and other things.
Joy for no apparent reason. Sometimes it is impossible to identify the source or cause of this state, yet it is there and produces its own results.
Spiritual joy is a more stable and conscious state of mind. It is lasting in nature and depends directly on a person’s connection with the higher, Divine spiritual powers.
Joy in the Holy Spirit is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that results from faith in God and the acceptance of Christ as one’s personal Savior. All believers are expected to be joyful at all times, especially in favorable circumstances.
A tree bears fruit according to its kind. This is the law by which a person’s spiritual allegiance can be recognized: ‘Ye shall know them by their fruits.’ And joy, being the norm, accompanies a son or daughter of God.
Believers also experience spiritual crises, when a dark night of the soul descends or trials of faith come. Then joy retreats deep into the heart and waits for any opportunity to support its owner and comfort him by revealing itself.
I have noticed that spiritual joy is a controllable process that can be called forth very easily under any circumstances, making it easy to remain joyful. It is as easy as it is for an apple tree to bear apples, because it is an apple tree. Sometimes the single word ‘joy’ is enough to enter this state. And it is even easier to remain joyful when asking for joy in prayer and deciding to be happy and joyful under all circumstances.
When joy is present as a fruit of the Spirit, it only needs to be brought forth, and then it will reveal itself.
There is a very good book titled Pollyanna. It is the story of a girl who found a reason to rejoice in every situation. When I first read it, I thought it was a very good fairy tale for adults, but one that was simply impractical in our age of haste and cares. Yet time passed, and now, simply comparing my life with this girl’s, I can say with confidence that I have surpassed her in every respect. My joy is God’s plan for this world, which He is carrying out in me at all times. He teaches me to rejoice in grief, sickness, and suffering—when you are hated and humiliated, when you are betrayed and your reputation is ruined.
When darkness gathers all around, this wellspring does not go out. I understand that we are very rapidly approaching special events and that God is preparing me to stand firm. Joy, like love, is the instrument that quite successfully binds together all the elements of happiness and gives meaning to everything that happens, because it arises from a positive outlook on life.
When I meet friends who are going through a crisis or misfortune, I very carefully ask them, ‘Would you like to be happy and learn how to rejoice? These are the best possible circumstances for it.’ As a rule, they simply do not understand you.
But it was precisely in such circumstances that I learned to understand joy and bear this fruit. It was amid grief and sickness that I decided to be happy and remain so, no matter what. At times it was very difficult, but Jesus was near; He helped me and taught me.
He taught me—and continues to teach me—to see something positive in everything, to find something good and favorable in people, and to notice their virtues, while at the same time being very strict and exacting with myself. I take any criticism directed at me very seriously and examine whether it is actually true. If it is, I run to Jesus and ask Him to correct it in my life.
I rejoice. And this is my choice. Bible verses help me greatly in making it. Proverbs 17:22 says, ‘A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.’ I have learned from personal experience that this is true. It is an effective remedy for many illnesses and the most effective one for spiritual maladies.
The passage in Deuteronomy 28:47 especially helped me. Beginning with verse 15, it speaks of various illnesses familiar today, and then identifies their cause: ‘Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things.’ I took note of this and decided to be obedient, joyful, and grateful to God for everything He gives me. That is better than suffering from the ailments listed there. And I will honestly say that these verses work in both directions.
God offers sickness to some, and to others happiness, love, peace, joy, friendship, and so very much more. He gives all of this on certain conditions and also freely, simply because He loves me and desires my good. He loves you too, my friend, and deeply desires to see you happy and joyful in this world. All He needs is your heart and your decision to belong to Him and learn from Him. He is a kind and wise Teacher Who knows better than you what is best for you. Come to Jesus, and He will not cast you out. He will listen, understand, forgive, and lift you up. All His disciples are former criminals and godless people who believed Him and took their place under His banner, which is called ‘Love, Friendship, Happiness.’
The path to lasting joy leads through many difficulties and trials, but it is possible. The apostle Paul, while in bonds, writes to us: ‘Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.’
Without joy, happiness looks rather dreary and suspicious. Is it truly happiness?
It is written of Christ that ‘He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.’ I think it will be very pleasant for us to see that special joy on the Face of our Savior, expressed in a sincere smile and radiant eyes. Just imagine: He is glad to see you—and He always will be, throughout all Eternity. What happiness it is to be a source of happiness to God and, by your presence, to inspire Him with special joy!
I rejoice! It is like the oil in my lamp, which I cannot give to another person, but which I can teach others to obtain through my example and experience.
Even as I write these lines, I rejoice that I am giving God the opportunity to use me to help someone learn more, improve his life, and fill it with happiness.
I would like to offer a little advice. If you have happy friends or acquaintances who are blessed in God and rejoice at all times, treasure them. They will greatly help you become the same way.
Bible verses for this chapter:
Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16; Romans 12:15; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Luke 10:20; Matthew 5:11–12; Joel 2:23; Isaiah 49:13; 66:10; Psalm 2:11; 33:1; 68:4; 97:12