Bible
translations differ, and where some translations use the word “happy” others
substitute “blessed.” This is one reason that happiness is often tied to having
favorable circumstances. However, the Greek and Hebrew words for “joy” are used
fairly consistently across translations.
I find it
interesting that the Bible never seems to indicate that joy is unchangeable.
Paul wrote that he was “overflowing with joy” (2 Corinthians 7:4), and longing
to “be filled with joy” (2 Timothy 1:4). David prayed “Restore to me the joy of
Your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). James warned “Let your laughter be turned to
mourning and your joy to gloom” (James 4:9). Solomon stated, “Even in laughter
the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief” (Proverbs 14:13).
To be
honest, I find it a bit of a relief to know that a lack of joy does not
necessarily indicate a lack of faith. Yes, joy is part of the Fruit of the
Spirit and hopefully will increase over time. But that also means it is up to
the Holy Spirit to produce joy, not me. We can do things to nurture joy, but we
can’t make it grow. I came across this verse a few days ago, and I have great
appreciation for Paul’s prayer here: “May you be strengthened with all power,
according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy”
(Colossians 1:11). Sometimes we have to wait for the joy to come, and faith is
our lifeline while we wait.
May we learn to wait, to trust, and to bow to the One who is in control.
(Check out Bow the Knee, words and music by Christopher Machen &
Michael Harland)
