By Bernice Gan and Regina Sun
In a world full of conflict and strife, what does it mean to have peace and joy in our hearts?
The meaning of the word “Shalom” in the Old Testament, translated as “peace”, is multi-faceted in meaning. It not only denotes inner well-being and wholeness but also peace in relationships with others as well peace in the world such as the absence of war.
Our Lord Jesus came into this world and brought us peace with God by paying the penalty of our sins with his death. Jesus brought us peace in our hearts through forgiving our sins. His last words to his disciples is to love one another, and hence to live in peace with one another.
Likewise, the Oxford dictionary defines joy as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness”. However, this joy, as the world knows it, is easily influenced by situations, mood, time of the day, and circumstances.
But the joy of the Lord is different. It is a gladness of heart that comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Knowing God
This comes from understanding the character of God through our daily quiet time, prayer and reading the Word. As our knowledge of God and relationship with God grows, His character will influence us daily.
Simeon in Luke 2 understood who Jesus was, and he was filled with joy and praised God as he held the child Jesus in his arms (Luke 2:28-32). Similarly, we will be filled with inexpressible and glorious joy when we begin to believe and love Him more (1 Peter 1:8).
- Abiding in Christ
As we know more of God, we abide in Him as we accept and act in accordance to His Word. Christ is the true vine, and we, the branches, are full of His strength and vitality. As we abide more and more in Him, we will bear fruit (John 15:5), including joy.
- Being filled by the Holy Spirit
Lastly, when we believe in Jesus, we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
Like Jesus who praised God when he was full of joy through the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21), we will also be able to have such joy when we are filled by the Holy Spirit.
Hence, the “joy of the Lord” is an inward kind of joy from above. It is a lasting emotion that comes from the choice to trust that God will fulfil His promises, in both good and bad circumstances. And it is also seen outwardly as a fruit of the Spirit, an overflowing abundance of our inner joy.
Regardless of whatever situations we may find ourselves in, let us be encouraged to abide in Him so that His attributes become our attributes. Then, the joy of the Lord may be complete in us (John 15: 10-11) and will become our strength indeed!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15: 13)
Reflect and Respond
- What is the difference between worldly joy and the joy of the Lord?
- When was the last time you experienced the peace and joy of the Lord? Was this peace and joy dependent on your circumstances?
Read with your Child
There are many things in this world that can bring you happiness, like playing with your best friends, eating your favourite food or going on a holiday with your family. However, you may soon realise that such happiness does not last forever. Your happiness may be replaced by anger when you fight with your best friends. Your pleasure may be replaced by disappointment when your favourite food does not taste as good anymore. Your joy may be replaced by dread when you realise you have not completed your homework after the vacation. Where can you find lasting joy?
True joy can be found in knowing that God loves you. God’s love is forever. Nothing can replace God’s love, and nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). We can experience joy in our hearts in all situations, good and bad, when we choose to obey Jesus and follow his plans for us. Jesus is the source of joy. Plug into him to receive this everlasting joy.
