Joy in God gives the believer a positive outlook on life. It gives them a source of strength in weathering the rough times in life.
Because of their position in Christ it allows them to experience joy no matter what is going on in their lives. They can look into the storms of today with a smile on their lips knowing they have a home in heaven.
The believer by faith has been declared righteous by God. This truth provides peace and joy to the believer.
—Romans 5:1–2 NKJV “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
Believers Joy
As believers our joy is not based on our circumstances but in our position in Christ. By grace we have been saved. When we placed our faith in Christ, He freed us from the burden and guilt of sin. God declared us righteous opening the door for a relationship with Him.
Christ who know no sin suffered on the cross so that we could be freed from the chokehold of sin. God offered salvation to unbelievers who did not have an ounce of righteousness in them. As sinners we were ruled by sin and it consumed our minds.
Even though we did not seek God in a tremendous act of love and grace he not only offered us life but also endowed us with the righteousness of God. The grace of God is our foundation of our joy in God.
—2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Our joy is permanent and can not be lost. The knowledge that God has justified us, declaring us righteous is a cause for rejoicing. This ongoing joy in the Lord is a great gift offering us peace. We have been given a permanent home in heaven and can share in the glory of God.
Worlds Joy
However, If you do not belong to Christ you do not have this advantage in your life. Your future is dark and the only joy you can experience is based on your current circumstances. You will be tossed like a ship in a storm with your joy stolen every time your circumstances turn bad. You have nothing permanent to hold onto and will eventually drown, lost forever.
Joy in God
As you can see the joy God provides is much better than what the world can offer. In the turbulent waters of the world, God is offering sinners peace. God is offering you the riches of heaven and eternal security.
He sent His son to earth for you. He died a sacrificial death on your behalf. Open yourself to the Word of God and by faith believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. By grace we are justified in Christ and will share in the glory of God. Nothing can dampen that joy.
The result of that justification and understanding that we have been declared righteous gives us peace with God. What joy to know we stand forever safe in God’s hand.
If you have not yet trusted in Christ, I hope you will so you can experience the joy in God.