The definition of joy in the dictionary is "the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying." What are some of those "somethings" that cause you to have joy? Perhaps finally completing a huge project or receiving a gift or a compliment. Maybe waking up to a beautiful sunny morning or spending time with your best friend. Whatever it is, these sources help get us through life.
However, these joys don't always last forever. Storm clouds may block off the sun. Your friend might move away, or a family member may die. The memory is kept there in your mind, but is there an eternal source of joy to help us through this rough life? Nehemiah 8:10b says, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." True joy comes from the Lord and gives us strength to travel through this stormy life. It doesn't only come from the love He gives us, but it also comes through loving Him back.
God's joy is not selfish. I believe it is completely the opposite. It comes through sacrifice and the giving of joy to other people. In short, we can say joy comes through loving others.
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my
joy may be in you and that your
joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:9-13
Think about:
Jesus 1st
Others 2nd
Yourself last
