How To Secure Joy [Fruit of the Spirit Series]

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Who doesn’t want joy—that feeling of well-being and delight?

I venture to suggest we all want it.

But if you’re like me, you find joy somewhat elusive. It slips quietly into my day, only to leap away before I can fully harness it.

Yet I keep trying.

I buy nice things for myself and others. I plan fun vacations. I spend time with wonderful people. I attend church regularly. I serve in many capacities within my church, my family and the community.

But still, the wonder and happiness of hours and days eventually give way to boredom, frustration, fear, jealousy, self-centeredness … 

In my earthly ramblings, I get a taste of joy and want more. But I search for more joy in all the wrong places. 

At the end of the day I’m wrung out and frustrated. 

Searching Among the Temporal

King David (Samuel 1 and 2, 1 Kings, 1 Chronicles) did the same thing: He often searched for joy in the temporal. 

As God’s chosen king of Israel at a young age, one would think David had it made—that he would have joy unending. Yet through the book of Psalms, we hear the pain and desperation of a man longing for all that Lord has to offer but who fails in the flesh.

“For my sins have flooded over my head; they are a burden too heavy for me to bear. My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness” (Psalm 38:4-5).

Although David loved the Lord, his pride and lust directly led to the death of his young son. And I’ve heard commentary about his lack of presence and guidance as a father.

Repeatedly, King David tried to strike a claim to joy in the things of this earth. 

Photo by ccharmon via Flickr

Photo by ccharmon via Flickr

Secured Joy

I love the biblical account of David, because despite his human failings, the king of Israel knew where the source of everlasting joy lay, and He shared it with us!

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed” (Psalm 34:4–5).

Joy isn’t found in getting the latest, greatest gadget. Or in securing all our plans. Or in having good health. Or even in attending church and serving others.

Joy is found in the hope of salvation.  

Joy is found in the hope of salvation. Share on X

And salvation is only obtained through a relationship with God, secured in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

That’s why the angel proclaimed

“Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great  joy that will be for all the people: today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David” (Luke 2:10–11, emphasis mine).

To find true, everlasting joy, you need only to dwell in the presence of the Lord. 

The problem is our flesh gets in the way of that relationship. And as our flesh increases, joy decreases. As we drift from Him, our joy dries up. 

That’s why I find myself drawn to this passage in Scripture: 

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.—Psalm 51:10–12

Restore in me the joy of Your salvation, dear Lord, and sustain me with a willing heart! 

Oh, how I need that willing heart. To die to me. To exalt Him. 

When we live a life steeped in the gift of our salvation, that’s when we secure joy. That’s when the true fruit of joy will see sustaining growth.

When we live a life steeped in the gift of our salvation, that's when we secure joy. Share on X

Reflections: What is one practical step you have taken to cultivate the fruit of joy in your life?  Please share in the comments. 

Linking with Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience in 2013 for my Joy Dare list  for Multitude Mondays (#1515–1535, read them all by clicking here):

  • Checking “to-dos” off list; Symphony of the wind in the woods; 3 very helpful customer service people, all from different companies
  • Beauty of snow falling thru trees; Warm shower after romp in snow; Recent amazing evidence of God at work in our lives!
  • Endless encouragement fm Scripture; Gazillion stars visible tonight; Joey’s perseverance=16 verses of bk of Romans down
  • 5th-12th grade band concert tonight; Danny was offered summer job he wanted & can go to youth gathering; A decision made
  • Hearing fabulous Univ. of Concordia Symphonic Band music; Getting to know four wonderful young men; Sharing blessings
  • Quiet rainy day indoors; God’s provisions just when needed; Serving college students by preparing an early morning brkft
  • Rivets of water cutting through the mud & snow; Above freezing temps for travel; A husband gifted in creating with wood

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Also linking with the following wonderful sites:

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TheBetterMom.com

 

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By His Grace,

Julie

10 Comments

  1. bluecottonmemory on March 11, 2013 at 9:34 am

    I’ve been discussing Joy with my teenager born with a joyful spirit who really isn’t very joyful right now (stage). “Choose Joy” – I coached him one morning. I think I can choose Joy only because of a loving Father God – but sometimes it is an inner attitude choice. Fun does not equal joy – and that’s something we are working on, too! Thanks for the foundational teaching on Joy:)

    • Julie Sunne on March 11, 2013 at 7:51 pm

      I agree with your insights. I think when joy is dependent on circumstances, it isn’t real joy at all but the more fleeting happiness. We can choose to focus on the God’s amazing goodness, which in turn ushers in joy.

  2. Jennifer Dougan on March 11, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    Hi Julie,

    I’m hopping over from Ann’s link up to count gifts with you. Nice to meet you!

    Your line “secured joy” most spoke to me from your post today. Ahh, how we all need secured joy, huh? And I love that we can have it, when we remember, when we choose to stop and see, and thank him.

    Counting gifts with you, I noticed your Concordia music, and the snow and travel thanks. It sounds similar to my MN.

    Have a great week,

    Jennifer Dougan

    • Julie Sunne on March 11, 2013 at 7:53 pm

      So grateful you stopped, Jennifer. Recognizing that each day, and all that it entails, is God’s gift to us, puts our focus on Him and is the catalyst for joy.

  3. Andrea Eriks on March 11, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    Great topic, Julie. I have also come to find people make joy a bit more difficult than it needs to be. I know for me, I find my greatest joy when I put my life into perspective considering the amazing blessings God has provided our family. When I think things could be better, I am reminded of how abundantly my life has been blessed. Still, I see many, many people near to me who struggle in trying to find joy!

    • Julie Sunne on March 11, 2013 at 7:55 pm

      I see it, too, Andrea, and I stumble at times as well. But as you said, when we keep our eyes and hearts on Him and His gifts, we find the joy we seek. So grateful you took the time to comment.

  4. brew.meister.rob on March 12, 2013 at 6:34 am

    Very nicely done. I love the passage from Psalm 34. The Lord has truly taken away all of my fears. All of them on one fabulous day and the result has been joy ever since. Thanks for the article that let’s me reminisce on this.

  5. Brent Peterson on March 12, 2013 at 10:36 am

    That psalm is a treasure to us all. To answer your question Julie, I am finding joy by staying focused on the activity or opportunity I have been afforded at that moment. As soon as I lose focus, the joy is broken. And as you spoke about the other day, every activity can be and should be done in His Name.

    • Julie Sunne on March 13, 2013 at 11:35 pm

      Focus is so important, Brent. The Psalms are great encouragement to maintain focus.

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Julie Sunne

Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.

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