The Gift of Joy
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
-Luke 2:9-10 (NIV)
One of Heaven's greatest gifts to us is joy. Two thousand years ago, in a little town called Bethlehem, an angel announced the birth of joy (Luke 2:10). This gift isn't an emotion we have to chase.
We don't have to spend money. We don't have to go on vacation. We don't need more friends, a new outfit, or a reservation at the most exclusive restaurant in town. Joy has already appeared among us. It's a supernatural gift that's currently available.
As with every gift that God provides, joy is good. When we open, receive, and activate this gift, it helps us and glorifies and honors God. However, sometimes, we don't see joy as a gift because it's wrapped in responsibility.
Joy is a gift we must steward. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16, the writer says to "be joyful always." What does that mean practically? When someone cuts us off in traffic or the wind chill increases, we must hold onto the gift of joy. Of course, that's not always easy. In scripture, we discover many things that try to steal our joy, including:
Fear: "An anxious heart weighs a man down..." Proverbs 12:25
Selfishness: "Wherever there is jealousy or selfish ambition, there will be disorder and every other kind of evil." James 3:16
Resentment: "Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives." Hebrews 12:15
While it's challenging to steward joy, we're still responsible for doing so in every circumstance. In Luke, we find Mary showing joy after she was "greatly troubled" when the angel announced that the Holy Spirit would impregnate her with the Savior of the world (Luke 1:29). However, when the angel told her not to be afraid, Mary later rejoiced at the news and said, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed," (Luke 1:46-48).
We can steward joy similarly to Mary to enjoy this supernatural gift, no matter the circumstance. From what scripture says, all we have to do is the following:
Focus on giving rather than receiving: "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." Acts 20:35
Focus on healing rather than hurting: "Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3:13
Focus on God's power rather than our problems: "Trust in God at all times: pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8
By implementing these practices, we can open, receive, and activate joy in our lives. Are you ready to unwrap this free gift from God?
