2 Ways to Experience God-like Joy

Last week, we ended with an important question to consider: What brings us God-like joy in the midst of painful circumstances? We’ll pick up with what I believe leads us to this kind of joy today.

First, it is only possible through the fruit of the Spirit. We find the joy described in Galatians 5:22 as we live in fullness and dependence on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit alone can give us this God-like joy.

Secondly, we trust that our Father’s plan and the temporary pain we experience is always purposeful for our good and God’s glory.

Joy comes from knowing that the perfect love of God will work “for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28)” despite pain, sorrow, difficulty, or hurts. Joy is a supernatural fruit that knows and trusts God to bring about God’s glory and our good despite our current state.

Why does Scripture tell us to “give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18),” even the bad and ugly?

A simple illustration is that of a loving father who gives a bitter dose of medicine to his child. Despite the distaste of the medicine, it is the father's love that motivates him to administer the medicine to bring healing and restore the health of his child.

To look past the bitter spoonful of medicine to the loving hand and heart brings us to trust God and respond with, “Thank You.”

We are taught to give thanks, not for the painful circumstance, but for the Father’s good purpose and perfect love that moves us deeper in relationship with Jesus. This results in a Holy Spirit-type joy.

Our confidence in God’s heart and steadfast love is what brings the joy of the Lord into every experience—the highs and lows, ups and downs. This is why Jesus could speak of joy when He had less than 24 hours of human life to live before bearing our sins on the cross.

I thank my Heavenly Father for His constant love, even in the midst of present-day pain. The pain is necessary to my long-term transformation into Christlikeness. Remember, we “are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).” How? By “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2).” 

This is why Joseph could say to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good ... (Genesis 50:20).” That, my friend, is the life of faith with joy.

Jesus-like joy is possible in all circumstances, even those times of deep sorrow and tears. In these seasons of brokenness, cling to the Rock of Truth, who holds us closely with divine love and grace.

Receive Weekly Encouragement

To get devotionals from East-West's founder sent to your inbox weekly, sign up below!