Pure Joy

We've talked about the fact that joy is not an emotion, but is deeper than that. And longer lasting than mere emotions. If we allow God to work in us, we can experience joy that is more powerful than even our strongest emotions. Emotions can be pretty powerful things and motivate a lot of human actions. But they are unreliable at best. How great is it that God can provide us with something even better! Joy is pure in that it is unadulterated by human emotion; it is steady and we can count on it in a way that we cannot always count on emotion alone.

The Bible tells us that joy is not linked to our emotions, although joy can lead to an emotional response. In Leviticus 9, a large group of people witnessed a true miracle of God. Their reaction was one of fear and awe. The passage states that they fell down on their faces with joy. We don't normally associate joy with fear and awe, but God does. Even objects not capable of emotion are capable of joy. The Bible states in several places that the rocks, hills, and trees will cry out in joy.

So, what exactly is joy then, if not an emotion? We've talked about it as an underlying peace that transcends our circumstances. It is certainly that. Here are some other things associated with joy in Scripture: songs and singing, praise to God, happiness, peace, shouting/crying out, music from instruments, rest, God's blessing, gladness of heart, eating and drinking, laughter, and strength. Joy is all of these things. Or, put another way, these things are the products of joy. When we have the joy of the Lord in our hearts, we cannot help but express it through praising, laughter, and all the rest.

What other things do you associate with joy? Make a list and then test that list with Scripture. Are the things you listed supported by the Bible? Do you need to begin to change your understanding and definition of joy at all? Can you find some products of joy that aren't listed above? If so, please share! I would love to hear from you!