What is Joy?
- Sara Adkins
- Oct 9, 2023
- 2 min read
Bear with me a minute. I think it will be worth it. We need to make sure we understand the definition of Joy. This is the condensed version. According to Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, JOY is defined as: (Noun) 1. The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune, the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits. A glorious and triumphant state. Happiness;
(Verb) JOY To rejoice; to be glad; to exult. To give joy to; to congratulate; to entertain kindly. To gladden; to exhilarate. To enjoy; to have or possess with pleasure, or to have pleasure in the possession of. Please feel free to go online to the 1828 Dictionary and read the definition in its entirety. https://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/Joy
If you made it this far, kudos to you. Who knew that “Joy” was such a well-rounded word.
A while back, I wrote a devotion titled “Where is Joy?”. Recently though, something happened that caused me to rethink my previous devotion on joy. Not that it was incorrect but, in actuality it was lacking so much. The Lord laid it on my heart to expand on this small 3-letter word. There will also be a surprise or two. So today is the first in a 5-part series on Joy. I pray that this series helps you to find and recognize joy for the gift that it is; how to have joy especially in trying times, how to spread joy of your own, and how to keep joy.
The book of Philippians is a very short book in the Bible, with only 4 chapters. The introduction in my study Bible says that Philippians “overflows with joy and thanksgiving.” How interesting that joy and thanksgiving are mentioned together. When we are filled with joy, it is easy to be thankful. Think about it for a minute. What brings you joy today? Did you recognize it? Now that joy is defined, I pray that you each find a measure of joy to fill the day,
Habakkuk 3:18 – “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
When you look at someone whose smile fills their face and their eyes, you are looking at a person filled with joy.
Great devotion Sara! I learned a lot about joy during one of the most difficult times of my life when I lost mom and dad in the seven week period. The only way we can experience joy to the fullest is when we seem to suffer the most. The height of suffering and the depth of joy are both rooted in the cross of Christ! Can’t wait for the rest of the devotions this week!
Thank you for this devotion. An old friend of mine described JOY, like this J is. To satisfy Jesus and his works, O is to satisfy others around us, Y satisfy yourself last. Amen