The Dynamics of Joy

“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8: 10

Joy is an intense feeling of pleasure or satisfaction. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope. Joy is also a state of mind and an orientation of the heart: a positive mindset. It is like the sun, warming and relaxing our bodies and lighting our way. It is a wonderful thing to impart to others in our homes and in our work places. All around us are people who have lost confidence and hope and we should try to reawaken their enjoyment of life.

There are two kinds of joy, spontaneous and anticipatory joy. We can find joy in what is around us, the work we do and the current relationships: that is spontaneous joy. We can also find joy in knowing that the fruits of our labor will delight others and also the Lord. This is anticipatory joy which can become a great spur or energizer to enhance our productivity. Nehemiah 8: 10 says “… for the joy of the Lord is your strength”

Paul was always joyful when he saw changed lives that were the fruits of his evangelism: his sharing in the knowledge of God’s grace.  He called such people, “…my joy and crown…” (Philippians 4:1).  He said, “… I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy”( 2 Timothy 1:4) He also looked forward with anticipatory joy to the prize at the end of his life’s race and said, “Now there is in store for me a crown …” (2Timothy 4:8). Yours will also be waiting.

Like love, when you share joy with others, it comes back multiplied. It puts life and energy into faith to produce great works through which people can catch a glimpse of the Lord.

So smile, listen, give an encouraging word, and work with excellence. Run the good race with joy.

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Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy. – Mahatma Gandhi

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