Happiness over an Unanticipated or Present Good
Preface
As we encroach the traditional Christmas holiday season, I wanted to produce a blog post that will hopefully, aid many who are experiencing a growing trend of emotional detachment associated with this time of year.
The primary culprit of this emotional detachment is the commercialization of this holiday and the displaced value of how each of us is to obtain and manifests authentic emotions such as Joy, throughout our lives, not just for holidays.
For many, Christmas is the most joyous, and the happiest time of the year for wonderful and very real reasons, however, others have developed a great sense of dread during this holiday namely, many experience the emotional emptiness within due to the reality that they are unable to grant or provide others with “Stuff”, gifts and materialism that has Supplanted the original spiritual Reason for the Season.
“There is more joy in Jesus in twenty-four hours than there is in the world in 365 days. I have tried them both.” -R.A. Torrey
What is The Biblical definition of Joy?
I begin to ask myself the question, if materialism or other external factors is not the fundamental basis of granting us Joy, then exactly what is the source of joy and just how can any person obtain it if they are without it within their lives?
As I researched the term Joy, perhaps the best definition is that joy is a combination of spiritual and human factors. Which in essence means that depending upon the variables and individual situations, Joy can be evident throughout our lives, by both spiritual and external factors.
Joy is very different than happiness, which is based upon happenings or whether things are going well or not. Joy is ever-present even when we are suffering. Joy is a spiritual disposition that is acquired by the anticipation, acquisition or even the expectation of something great or wonderful. The emotional responses that are associated with spiritual Joy are described as exhilaration, delight, sheer gladness.
Definitions:
From an emotional/ psychological perspective
joy n. a feeling of extreme gladness, delight, or exultation of the spirit arising from a sense of well-being or satisfaction. The feeling of joy may take two forms: passive and active.
Passive joy involves tranquility and a feeling of contentment with things as they are.
Active joy involves a desire to share one’s feelings with others. It is associated with more engagement of the environment than is a passive joy.
The distinction between passive and active joy may be related to the intensity of the emotion, with active joy representing the more intense form. Both forms of joy are associated with an increase in energy and feelings of confidence and self-esteem. [APA Dictionary of Psychology]
Biblical definition for Joy
The terms for Joy in the Old Covenant is: Ranan (Rawi nan‘) and Simchah (sim-Khaw’)
Ranan (Rawi nan‘) This term for Joy is used 52 times in the Old Covenant
Definition: 1. To overcome, 2. To cry out, shout for joy, give a ringing cry, exaltation, distress, to cause to ring or to sing out, rejoicing.
Simchah (sim-Khaw’) This term for Joy is used 92 times in the Old Covenant.
Definition: 1. Joy, mirth, gladness, a. pleasure. b. The joy of God. c. Glad result, happy issue or situation.
In the New Covenant, the term Chara (khar-ah’) is used for Joy. It is used 59 times in the New Covenant.
Chara (khar-ah’)
Definition: 1. Joy, gladness. a. The joy received from you. b. The cause or occasion of joy. 1. The persons who are one’s joy.
Below is my own Christmas Card gift that I offer to you that reflects both the spiritual and human experiences and expressions of Joy within the Bible-devoided of the scripture references.
Joy
The Birth of Children. Love. Personal Victory
Drinking Wine. Obtained Salvation. Encountering the Presence of God
Deliverance over enemies, sickness. Satisfaction after hearing The Word of God.
God’s rewards, benefits, and covenants.
God’s Profound and Mighty Acts in human history.
Personal, and national restoration of all nations.
Corporate and personal worship life.
Feasting, marriage, successful personal and financial undertakings.
The Return of The Messiah.
The Birth of John the Baptist and Jesus The Messiah
The Shepherds hearing and witnessing the birth of Jesus.
Angels rejoicing at an unbeliever’s conversion.
Actions are taken by those who are committed to The Kingdom of God.
The Cross that Jesus Beared
The Cross that faithful believers must bear.
Suffering for Christ brings Joy
God’s Kingdom is described as “Righteousness, Peace, and Joy
Certainty of salvation
Daily Fellowship and discipleship with The Master
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Some personal closing thoughts.
Brothers and Sisters, the only important gifts that any of us can receive that really matters are the gifts that God grants us. These gifts from our Creator will continue to bless us while sustaining us throughout our everyday experience.
God’s promises to His redeemed Children are restorative to every aspect of our human and spiritual dimensions. There is no substitution. For the joy that millions of hearts, minds, and souls are missing in their human experience is directly related to their disconnect to God’s deliverance, His love, His safety, welfare, and His provisions. God is the source of our real Joy.
Each of us must never grow tired of approaching God while pleading our case: Restore unto me the joy of Thy Salvation and please uphold me with a free spirit. Psalms 51:12
