Most of us have heard that happiness is dependent upon our circumstances, but Joy is not. This is true. While Joy is not dependent upon the circumstances, it does not happen on its own. Our actions lead us to joy.
Repentance brings joy
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Psalm 51:12
There is joy in salvation and coming to the knowledge of the love of God and what He did for us. This is something that we cannot ever take for granted. It is important to remind ourselves of where we could have been without Jesus in our lives.
In the above scripture, David is repenting from his sin with Bathsheba. He had lost his joy because of his sin, but He was asking God to restore the joy of his salvation to him. When we sin, we lose our joy because joy comes from the place of being right with God.
Giving gives joy
Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly. 1Chronicles 29:9
People were joyful because they gave willingly and with a loyal heart. When we do what God has asked us to do, it gives us great joy. Giving is one of God’s desires and mandates. The mind of the flesh is set on scarcity. If we walk in the flesh, we can find plenty of reasons as to why we shouldn’t give. However, when we are led by the spirit, we can give generously and with an open heart. Giving gives us joy in return.
Overcoming the enemy leads to joyfulness
Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.2 Chronicles 20:27
The people were joyful because they had conquered their enemies. God had backed them up. It’s a great blessing when God defends us and stands with us. We feel affirmed and encouraged that we are doing the right thing and God is with us. This is also true when we conquer a bad habit, an addiction, or a bondage. We become freed up from the enemy’s hands. There is feeling of freedom and joy because we are not enslaved to the lie that had held us in its grip for so long.
Lord we want to experience your joy in a greater measure today!