Definition Of God S Joy
Today we will look at the biblical definition of joy.
Definition of god s joy. Joy is the settled assurance that god is in control of all the details of my life the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright and the determined choice to praise god in every situation i think these ideas drive us closer to the definition. The greek word for joy is chara. The joy that the world offers is a pale imitation of the true. When god sets someone free rejoicing is in order.
2 main biblical definitions of joy. However the source of all joy is jesus. We can respond to life s trials with genuine joy if we know that the lord has a purpose for why he would allow those difficult. God s kingdom is described as righteousness peace and joy rom 14 17 certainty of salvation is a cause for joy as the disciples are commanded to rejoice that your names are written in heaven luke 10 20 fellowship with jesus brings continuous joy john 15 17.
Rick warren adds his own definition. So he prayed oh god if you are going to command me these things grant that you would give them when you command them. 25 different hebrew words and 10 greek words make up over 150 references to joy in the bible. Joy is a feeling yes.
Full is a way of seeing it as complete and that same completeness of joy is found in many places in the bible like in jesus words paul s epistles james peter and the apostle john too 2nd. Ever had a hard time defining biblical joy. This explains why within the 35 different words for joy two main definitions emerge. Joy is the natural reaction to the work of god whether promised or fulfilled.
The bible makes this point in this same passage. Joy expresses god s kingdom his influence on earth romans 14 17. The difference in the biblical definition of joy is the source. Let us look at the biblical understanding of joy.
The book of psalms have more references to joy than any other book in the bible and the psalmist wrote a lot about joy and much like what nehemiah wrote the joy of the lord is your strength. The spirit s production of joy can manifest in several different ways. Let s look again at james 1 2 but let s add verse 3 my brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience nkjv. By that i am drawing attention to the fact that it is not in the body.
God s plan from the beginning the word made flesh to dwell among us is rock solid allowing us to navigate. The text is clear. So the first part of this definition is that joy is a good feeling. T he word joy is defined by merriam webster as the emotion evoked by well being success or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires the expression or exhibition of such emotion a state of happiness.
The joy of deliverance.