Setting of Joy

June 05, 2022

Setting of Joy

How wonderful is the sound of a child’s overflowing laughter, the evidence of pure joy pouring out of their little soul. It is a contagious expression that brings you along with it, eliciting a smile and a chuckle of your own. Especially for a child, though, this expression can very quickly transition into a howl, based upon their perception of circumstances, whether or not they are getting their way. It might seem, then, that the task of the caretaker is to somehow keep their focus on whatever it might be that will keep the giggles coming. Very closely associated with this sound is the experience of peace. Where there is joy, there is also strength and the will to press beyond any obstacles – what a worthy quest.

On this day of Pentecost, there is a reminder of the Spirit’s outpouring. This was a promise from Jesus of living water that would pour out from the belly, much like the child’s expression of joy. This overwhelming of life was thought to be inebriation by their observers as the works of God were proclaimed to them in their own language. It was such a convincing expression of joy in the presence of God that thousands of them believed in Jesus that very day. Just as it was so effective then, today it is also an essential element in the proclamation of God’s love and mercy. Where there is a true experience of them, joy will be an integral part, clearly imparting validation in a life that has been transformed by them.

There is a continual opportunity for us to be filled up and spilling over with joy that comes from something the world can never touch, our salvation. When the reality of Jesus’ salvation liberates from all debilitating strongholds, joy will be easily observed in a life that is separated from all worldly requirements. Also, unlike that of the child, this joy will not be fickle, easily converted into a howl. The joy of the Lord will only grow stronger when surroundings darken and hope seems lost. If He promised to never leave or forsake, then remaining in His presence will secure our joy forever in Him.

Notes

Joy

noun

  • the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation:She felt the joy of seeing her son's success.
  • a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated:Her prose style is a pure joy.
  • the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.
  • a state of happiness or felicity.

verb (used without object)

  • to feel joy;
  • be glad;
  • rejoice.

Source of Joy unmoved by the world

Habakkuk 3:17-19 17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Mary Elizabeth Baxter exclaims:

The literal is “I will jump for joy in the Lord; I will spin around for delight in God.” Here is the hilarity of faith!—joy at its best with circumstances at their worst! What a victory! May it be ours!

Required for Salvation’s drink

Isaiah 12:2-3 2 See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” 3 With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!

Sharing’s requisite

Psalms 51:12-13 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.

Through intentional celebration – strengthening joy

Nehemiah 8:10 10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”

Identity in Christ – Assurance of Harvest

Isaiah 61:10-11 10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

Salvation – for every aspect of life

2 Corinthians 1:20 20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

Ephesians 1:16-19 16 (16-17) I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you wisdom to see clearly and really understand who Christ is and all that he has done for you. 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can see something of the future he has called you to share. I want you to realize that God has been made rich because we who are Christ’s have been given to him! 19 I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him. It is that same mighty power

Reaping full salvation’s joy in Believing

1 Peter 1:5-9 5 Through our faith, the mighty power of God constantly guards us until our full salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 May the thought of this cause you to jump for joy, even though lately you’ve had to put up with the grief of many trials. 7 But these only reveal the sterling core of your faith, which is far more valuable than gold that perishes, for even gold is refined by fire. Your authentic faith will result in even more praise, glory, and honor when Jesus the Anointed One is revealed. 8 You love him passionately although you did not see him, but through believing in him you are saturated with an ecstatic joy, indescribably sublime and immersed in glory. 9 For you are reaping the harvest of your faith—the full salvation promised you—your souls’ victory!

Revelation By the Spirit

John 15:26 26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

Overview:

  • Though surrounded by reasons to despair, we have salvation that frees us from the world’s curses.
  • Joy is necessary for experiencing the reality of salvation in this life.
  • Sharing requires fulness of joy to be effective.
  • Strength comes through intentional celebration of joy.
  • In Christ our salvation is part of a greater harvest.
  • There is no end to the promise in salvation that covers every aspect of this life and beyond.
  • Actively believing in Jesus is actively rejoicing now in our completed salvation.
  • The Holy Spirit provides revelation of Jesus beyond our natural vision.

Prayer:

“Father, I desire to honor You and the great treasure of salvation You have given me in Christ by responding with Joy in Your presence. As I celebrate you with my mind, my voice, and this body You’ve given me, clothe me with revelation of that salvation and its harvest in my life. Equip me for effective sharing of Your love with unspeakable joy in Your presence.”

Declarations:

  • In Christ I have an inheritance that frees me from the despairs of this world and provides me with joy in full salvation.
  • As I set this salvation before me, I will activate its reality through joy.
  • The joy of the Lord strengthens to endure while equipping my testimony with power.
  • Joy in my salvation now is also preparation for the harvest of joy yet to come.
  • There is a promise in Christ to set before me in every trial of life.
  • I welcome and respond to the Holy Spirit’s revelation of Christ in me by rejoicing in His presence.