I decided to study joy this week. I know it’s not based on circumstances or situations. Those things can produce happiness (or unhappiness). Joy is within. It’s a state of the soul, a posture of the heart, regardless of external happenings.

And yet, joy can feel elusive at times, can’t it?

The result of our faith

That’s a good word for us– elusive. It means difficult to find, catch, or achieve. And therein is some help. The joy that comes from the Lord isn’t meant to be achieved– that would be works, something we had to attain by our own effort.

Paul said, “The kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17 AMPC). In context, he was reminding his readers that although they once had to “achieve” right-standing with God through a list of do’s and don’ts, that’s not the case any longer.

The kingdom of God is righteousness (the result of our faith in Christ Jesus), peace (inner tranquility that surpasses our mind and holds our heart steady), and joy (not in things or happenings as already stated, but) in the Holy Spirit.

Jesus once told the religious leaders that the kingdom of God wasn’t as they supposed, but was instead “within you” (Luke 17:20-21). Righteousness is a state of heart. Peace is a settled state of the heart as well. And you guessed it, so is joy.

Isaiah 55:12 says, “So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life” (MSG). The New Living simply says, “I will live in peace and joy.”

The original language defines joy as that which the Holy Spirit imparts by His influence. It can also describe joy of faith, meaning in and arising from the faith of the gospel. It describes enjoyment and fruition.

In other words, joy is the fulfillment, actualization, and realization of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This may sound simple, or perhaps hard to understand, depending on your understanding of salvation. But let’s compare it to grief. Joy and grief are complete opposites. Whereas grief is sorrow, misery, sadness, and pain, joy is delight, triumph, gladness, and gratification. One describes our state before salvation, the other after.

Joy is a tranquil state of soul.

The soul being our mind, will, and emotions. We sometimes want joy to be laughter and constant smiles, but it often looks more like trust accompanied by peace. My mind, will, and emotions can lead me astray or they can be led by the Holy Spirit. It’s important to note that salvation itself is trust in something unseen, yet fully alive and real.

Joy is rooted in the heart that is assured of its salvation.

When we are unsure of salvation (or anything spiritual), that’s when joy seems to wane and our hearts grow weary in well doing. The writer of Hebrews gives us such great help here. He said, “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV).

When joy seems to decrease or diminish, pause and refocus.

Looking unto Jesus. Consider Him. He showed us how to maintain joy in the midst of challenges. What we set our gaze on determines our next step, and our state of heart.

Joy is the result of right focus.

When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, it’s far less likely that we will get weary and discouraged (the opposite of joy). The Message says, “When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again…” (Hebrews 12:3). In other words, remember your salvation story– not just the beginning but all the parts (where you were before and after).

This has re-centered me many times. By intentionally sitting in His presence (in prayer, worship, and study), my heart, and therefore my joy, is repositioned correctly.

And the result? A soft smile on my face, settled peace in my heart, and that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation.

I pray this reminder has encouraged your heart today. The joy of the Lord is our strength– today and always!