What kills your joy? Trials, disappointments, fear of the future, debt, poor health? So many things come in life to challenge our joy and, sometimes, even kill it. But when joy is gone, we still have hope of its return. Why? Because joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and therefore, as we draw closer to the Spirit, He renews our joy despite our circumstances.
For my Bible reading, I read one chapter daily, and after I read, I create my own devotional commentary. Deuteronomy 12 was my reading the other day, and I noticed the word "rejoice" repeated. The children of Israel were to rejoice in all they put their hands to (vs. 7, 18) and rejoice before the Lord with their family and household (vs 12, 18). This rejoicing was based on their recognition of God's provision and directly linked to their obedience as they kept themselves away from the influences of the ungodly societies in Canaan land.
Innocence and purity hold great joy. When we experience the presence of evil, see it, read it, and participate in it, joy departs. Keeping ourselves unspotted by the world, according to James 1:27, is evidence of purity. So, if your joy is waning, this might be a good place to look first. Do you need to clean up your act and observe to do what God commands? Remember, the blessing is on the other side of obedience.
As I studied on that day, I came to another truth about joy. Trials do not inhibit joy because God's children know to run home when the storm comes. Poor old Job faced much affliction, but his prayer was not "Oh, that I might be healed, or even, O, that I might have my children and property restored. Job's cry was, "Oh, that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!" (Job 23:3). It is the spiritual instinct of God's children to seek shelter beneath His wings.
Spurgeon said, "A hypocrite, when afflicted by God, resents the infliction and like a slave, would run from the Master who has scourged him; but not so the true heir of heaven, he kisses the hand which struck him, and seeks shelter from the rod in the bosom of the God who frowned upon him."
That's where the joy comes from, from the God of all comfort, the God who sees and desires to bless.
Spurgeon continues, "Turning away with bitter scorn from earth's hives, where we find no honey, but many sharp stings, we rejoice in Him whose faithful word is sweeter than honey or the honeycomb. In every trouble, we should first seek to realize God's presence with us. Only let's enjoy His smile, and we can bear our daily cross with a willing and joyful heart for His dear sake. Nothing teaches us so much the preciousness of the Creator as when we learn the emptiness of all besides.
So, when joy seems gone, examine your obedience and then run to your Saviour, the One who restores the joy of your salvation!