Joy: five big implications

Joy is a unique word. It is not happiness, although they are often equated. Joy is greater and deeper than mere happiness. Happiness is often elusive and based in circumstance, whereas joy is abiding and is based in knowledge rather than experience.

An oft quoted Scripture about joy is found in Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah was a Jewish slave in exile who convinced the King to return him and others to their homeland to rebuild. Nehemiah was a great leader who recognized the practical importance of joy. I believe this verse gives us the practical implications of joy.

Joy:

1. Enjoys life: Food, drink, family, fun are not bad things. They have been given to us by God to enjoy! Life has many sorrows, but also many joys. We should enjoy the life God has given us!

2. Provide for others: It is very easy to accuse others of not being as industrious or hard working as you are, but Nehemiah instructs us to send "some to those who have nothing prepared". There is a joy in sharing with others, so do so. Even if they don't deserve it.

3. Recognize holy moments: Every day has them, look for them. A moment when God is visibly present in the words or actions of others, in a good book, or a great song or other works of art. Holy moments surround you!

4. Don't dwell in grief: Grief is a healthy part of our existence and should be fully experienced and processed, but God doesn't expect you to live there. Any emotion that isn't expressed or processed in a healthy way may become a negative emotion. Move on!

5. Walk in the strength of joy: Sometimes joy is as simple as doing the next right thing, putting one foot in front of the other and moving. Get up, get out, get going!

Joy is a gift of God, intended to provide strength in every moment, but especially in the difficult moments of rebuilding our lives. "The joy of the LORD is your strength."