Joy is deeper than mere happiness and is sustained by faith in God's promises. It can be found even in hardships. Join me in exploring this word study on “joy” using The Bible Project as a resource.

[0:00] Intro

[1:20] The Bible Project word study on “joy”

[5:25] Practical application of “joy” in our lives

[11:50] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Psalm 16:11

James 1:1-14

Proclaim Ministries Advent series

The Bible Project

The Bible Project Advent series

Joy comes from hope in God's love and promises. It’s deep and sustaining. We can learn to focus on God's presence and faithfulness rather than on trials themselves to experience more joy.

Sources of Joy in the Bible

From the Bible Project Advent series

Various languages, including biblical Hebrew and Greek, have multiple words for joy, each with its own nuance and source.

While the world is good, it is also marked by death and loss, and biblical joy is rooted in hope in God's love and promises, not in happy circumstances.

In the Bible, people find joy in beautiful and good things like growing flocks, abundant harvests, weddings, and children. Contrast the joy found in good circumstances with the biblical story of human suffering and corruption. Biblical joy is unique. It is a choice based on hope in God's promises and not mere circumstances.

For example, the Israelites experienced joy in the wilderness despite their struggles, and the prophet Isaiah anticipated future joy. Both of these events link these themes of joy to the birth and teachings of Jesus.

“So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.” - Psalm 105:43

“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” - Isaiah 51:11

Christian Joy and Its Depth

From the Bible Project Advent series

The arrival of Jesus Christ brought joy and Jesus also rejoiced.

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” - Luke 2:10

“In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” - Luke 10:21

The joy of early Christian communities, even in persecution, emphasized the concept of joy, in faith, as a gift from God's Spirit, inspiring hope in hardship. Christian joy is deeper and not determined by circumstances but by a future destiny with God. Sustainable joy can only be found in God.

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” - Matthew 5:12

Joy Through Trials and Faith

Where we place our hope determines our joy. Focusing on God's promises rather than circumstantial control can lead to more joy. James 1:1-14, shows us the importance of counting all joy when facing trials, and trusting in God's control and presence through trials.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” - James 1:2-3

This kind of joy can help us trust God even when prayers are not answered as desired. Joy is not based on the trial's resolution but on God's faithfulness.

We can look to the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and John the Baptist, who all found joy and faithfulness in God despite facing severe trials. Joy can be found even in the midst of pain and rejection, as seen in the story of Stephen, who had a vision of Jesus while being stoned to death.

Joy can be found in rejection and persecution. It is not based on circumstances but on the relationship we have with God.