Has there been a loss of joy in your life recently? Perhaps this question itself is shocking. Why? Because you somehow lost the understanding that Christian living is one of joy!
King David lost his joy because of the sins he committed. Therefore he prayed, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12).” That means joy lost can be found. Prophet Isaiah says something similar, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation (12:3).” He was saying that there was a season when God was angry; but now his anger has turned away.
Joy that characterizes a Christian is a gift from God. It is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is also a byproduct of answered prayer (John 16:24). The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). And as you believe in Christ you “are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Peter 1:8)” even as your souls find salvation in him.
So dear friend, come to God in your lack of joy. Confess any sin that you know is destroying your joy. Seek for a restoration of joy. Rejoice that your sins are forgiven and your name is written in heaven in the Lamb’s Book of life (Luke 10:20, Revelation 21:27). Even angels rejoice in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7, 10).
Sufferings, trials and sorrows cannot take away the joy of your salvation. At their worst they cloud your mind with doubts and fears. But then a gracious God waits to show you compassion (Isaiah 30:18, 19). He is ready to pour out on you the oil of gladness instead of mourning (Isaiah 61:3).
So seek God’s presence. For in his presence is fullness of joy and eternal pleasures at his right hand (Psalm 16:11). My friend, what is purpose of a joyless religion? If that is normal Christian living, what is the difference between you and a non-believer? Come, show the world the loveliness and beauty and winsome power of a joyous Christian. It is yours for the asking. Ask God to help you draw with joy water from the wells of salvation.
—
Insight
Bible repeatedly says the heaven is for the child-like and the innocent will have peace at heart. We know that children are the most joyous in our homes and this reveals the secret behind it.