Let There be Joy

"What has happened to all your joy?"
Galatians 4:15a

It's an interesting question isn't it? Paul asked this question of the Galatians. They had lost the joy they had experienced when Paul first delivered the good news to them. There was a time of excitement and breakthrough at first, but it faded. They had gone back to some of the old ways of life and it robbed them of their joy. So Paul confronted them with this simple but pointed question. It is a question that all of us should ask ourselves.
    I think one of the things that should set Christians apart from others is joy. It is noticeable when someone is filled with joy. You can see it all over their countenance. Joy is not a momentary happy feeling, it is a deep seeded virtue that is expressed all the time by those who have it. Even if they do not speak, joy speaks through their lives and their actions. It is difficult to be happy all the time. Sometimes life gets in the way and we are sad or angry. But joy permeates our souls. It is so foundational to us that everything we do and say should be built on it.
    It is a worthy question to ask ourselves: What has happened to our joy? I know that it's difficult because of the trials we face. But if we are really experiencing a connected relationship with Jesus, we should have this inner joy. I find myself getting so caught up in the struggles of everyday life that I forget what it really means to be joyful. But when I think of all that God has done for me, all his mercies, all his grace, all his amazing love, I can't help but smile. This is an everlasting joy that cannot be taken away by any trial or crisis.
    Today, let's examine ourselves. Let's find the joy that we may have lost. David said, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation" (Psalm 51:12). Perhaps it's time to pray that same prayer. His salvation is a wonderful, joyous thing. The days when we first came to know Christ were filled with the joy of a new life. The outlook brightened. We literally passed from death to life and the joy of that blessing filled us up. Let's return to the joy of our salvation that all the world may see. Let there be joy!