Our Joy

Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy, (SC 9).

Of Joy.—“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance,” (Gal. 5:22, 23). This is a tremendously profound reality. Joy is a gift and is a manifestation of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I dare say that true joy cannot be experienced outside of Christ--mirth, fleeting happiness yes, but not joy. “In Thy presence is fullness of joy,” (Ps. 16:11). We experience His joy as we follow in His footsteps, in His life of self-sacrifice. “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God,” (Heb. 12:2). It was His joy to lay down His life so that we might live and be reunited to Him forever. The greatest, purest joy is found in selfless service for others alone. “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy,” (1 Thes. 2:19, 20).
Our Saviour's joy was in the uplifting and redemption of fallen men. For this He counted not His life dear unto Himself, but endured the cross, despising the shame. So angels are ever engaged in working for the happiness of others. This is their joy. That which selfish hearts would regard as humiliating service, ministering to those who are wretched and in every way inferior in character and rank, is the work of sinless angels. The spirit of Christ's self-sacrificing love is the spirit that pervades heaven and is the very essence of its bliss. This is the spirit that Christ's followers will possess, the work that they will do. (Steps to Christ 77)