Personal notes shared by Kevin Reynolds following a recent bible study on Joy.
Joy comes from knowing and trusting God. Happiness comes as a result of pleasant circumstances. Joy is steady and lasting; whereas, happiness is temporary and unpredictable. Happiness will always be dependent on forces outside of ourselves. On the other hand, joy is a deep security based on our knowledge that God loves us, will take care of us, and has saved us through Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14). True joy does not depend on circumstances, but on God’s protection and provisions. There is no joy that endures pain and suffering and persecution like the joy of the Christian, whose hope and joy are in the Lord, and not in our own circumstances.
- Joy is fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
- To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be filled with joy (Acts 13:52; Romans 14:17, 15:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:6).
- The fullness of joy is in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11; John 15:11).
- His salvation produces joy on earth and in heaven (Psalm 51:12; Luke 15:7; Luke 15:10).