Many joys of this life are fleeting, bringing only momentary pleasures that fade quickly. What might make a person happy at a particular moment often loses its allure, leading to a endless cycle of seeking new entertainments for happiness. Yet, human experience shows that what we pursue so diligently for happiness vanishes after a cruelly short time. Even in the midst of sustained trials, we may doubt the attainability of real, lasting joy in this life, echoing King David's plea, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation." Jesus claims that He came to bring a more abundant life, a quality of life from which pleasure and joy overflow. In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Those who embark on this way of life find joy in His presence, even without physically seeing Him, knowing that we are in Him and He in us. Our Father not only wants to share His joy, it is His primary desire. He expressed His wish early on that we live the abundant life with joy and gladness of heart. As Paul writes, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy." Jesus speaks to ensure that His joy remains in us, and that our joy may be full, reflecting the shared happiness between Him and the Father. The Father, like a vine dresser, prunes every branch that bears fruit to produce more, finding joy in those who abide in Him and bear much fruit. As we produce fruit through overcoming, keeping commandments, practicing faithfulness, and loving one another, we remain a joy to Him and experience His joy ourselves. Our Lord rejoices in sharing what He has, in bringing blessings to those who desire His company, and over every person who repents, causing joy in heaven. Bonding with us means so much to Him that He submitted to the ultimate sacrifice, and joining others to His Family supplies Him with immense joy, greater now than when the foundations of the earth were laid. To enter the joy of our Lord means participating in His happiness. When what makes Him happy also brings us happiness, we truly enter His joy. God's joy becomes our joy when we start doing what He does, finding lasting happiness through sharing. True joy comes from Him, and real happiness is achieved through sharing. By developing our God-given talents and allowing Him to prune us to produce fruit, we have something worthwhile to share, producing happiness in others. Jesus affirms that His joy remains in us so that our joy may be full, creating the ultimate win-win relationship. As we work on increasing our talents, character, and personality for sharing with the Family, the Invisible God participates in our preparation, promising that to those who hear, more will be given. Through effective Christian fellowship and enjoying each other's company, we grow quickly in His way of life, learning how to increase His happiness and share in it. Enter the joy of your Lord!

Joy holds a significant place among the fruits of the Spirit, listed second after love in Galatians 5:22, suggesting its high value in the virtues God cherishes. Despite the troubling state of the world, which often dampens our spirits and fills us with depression, the lack of joy we experience is largely emotional, stemming from life's inherent difficulties rather than immediate physical dangers. The constant barrage of distressing news through modern media further encroaches upon our joy, unlike in times past when news traveled slowly and worries were more localized. Biblical joy, appearing 205 times in the Scriptures, is distinct from happiness and pleasure, as it is a God-given sense of satisfaction and well-being that persists despite life's challenges. Unlike the fleeting pleasures Solomon pursued in Ecclesiastes 2, which he found to be meaningless, biblical joy does not arise from earthly or material sources but from a deep relationship with God. It is characterized as a calm cheerfulness and a positive, hope-filled attitude, inseparable from godly love. This joy enables us to bear the difficulties of living God's way amidst the adversities of satan's world, especially as we approach the return of Christ. God assures us that with His help, we can maintain our cheerful confidence and overcome the trials He permits.

Joy, as a fruit of God's spirit, holds a significant place, listed second only to love, which is the greatest of all virtues. The Greek word for joy signifies cheerfulness and calm delight, distinct from giddiness, hilarity, or mirth, carrying no connection to humor or amusement. This biblical joy does not originate from earthly things but is inseparable from godly love, impossible without it, and shares the same root as grace. It emerges from a life lived generously, with kindness and goodness, even under persecution. Every book in the New Testament reflects the capacity to rejoice amidst the worst circumstances. The Apostle Paul expressed being sorrowful yet always rejoicing, suggesting that sorrow and joy can coexist. Peter described this joy as unspeakable and full of glory. In times of difficulty and amidst earthly challenges, this joy remains untainted by worldly conditions, arising solely from a spiritual source.

Does anyone on earth not desire to live confidently and joyfully? Most people sincerely long to possess joy in overflowing abundance, a pursuit innate to every person regardless of race, time, education, skill, gender, health, or wealth. King Solomon, through practical experience and analysis, sought meaning in life using terms like mirth, laughter, and pleasure, often associated with joy. The Hebrew word simha, translated as mirth in Ecclesiastes 2:1, frequently means joy throughout the Old Testament, highlighting his quest for life's best. Biblical joy, however, differs from worldly pursuits. It appears as a fruit of God's Spirit, requiring godly inner qualities not naturally possessed. Until we are supremely confident of God's presence and providence in our past, present, and future, we will not experience the enduring fullness of satisfaction He desires for us. A Christian's joy can be as fleeting as the world's if sought for its own sake. True joy is a byproduct, not the goal, flowing into those whose lives are not focused merely on being joyful. God knows human frailty can misuse festival times, where relaxation and merriment may overshadow deeper purposes. He reminds us to listen while rejoicing, to stay clear of idolatry, and to remember He is the God who frees from bondage. When we follow His prescription, He feeds us with the finest, satisfying us with real joy rooted in the quality of our relationship with Him. Biblical joy is inseparable from knowing Him and understanding life's purpose and the hope of eternal joy with Him. Joy among God's children often arises from sources beyond worldly pursuits. Early believers found joy upon hearing and believing the gospel, receiving forgiveness, baptism, and God's Holy Spirit, reacting with joy at His revelation and communion in His work. A common thread in producing biblical joy is self-denial or selflessness, contrasting with fleeting joys of the wicked or foolish, which last only a moment. Self-denial, in service to God and others, yields sustained blessing into eternity. God Himself and our relationship with Him are the true source and cause of any real joy. The greatest joys arise when we are absorbed in creative tasks, freed from self-concern, which brings sorrow. True joy must be sought God's way, as a product of yielding to His creative purpose in our lives. This joy, a fruit of His Spirit, roots in realizing His purpose and the transformation into His image, beginning when He calls, and we hear, understand, and believe the gospel.

In a world of remarkable prosperity and achievement, human reasoning suggests there should be widespread joy, yet despair and sorrow prevail due to materialism and self-centered pursuits. True, lasting joy is not found in physical accumulation or accomplishments but in the hope of salvation and the promises God has set before us. Godly joy emerges only when we look beyond our own cares and desires. Carnal joy, rooted in self-centeredness, is fleeting, as the lifestyles of the unconverted reveal a false bliss in ignorance. God instructs His people to avoid rejoicing as the world does, for sorrow in humility surpasses joy in pride. Joy, as a quality grounded in God Himself, manifests in natural expressions among His people through singing, dancing, playing instruments, and shouting during victories, festivals, and celebrations. Gladness and joy are divine blessings, springing from the prospect of possessing our deepest desires, whether temporary or enduring, and should mark the lives of Christians. Angels, known as morning stars and sons of God, express joy when God's plan advances, and heaven rejoices when a sinner repents, reflecting the thrill of forgiveness and restoration in a person's life. God grants joy to those who repent, trust, and remain faithful, strengthening them through their relationship with Him. He makes His people joyful as a reward for humility and devotion. God promises His servants joy, turning sorrow into gladness, and fosters joy through godly unity when His people share common beliefs and desires, working toward a shared purpose. This unity overcomes the sorrow of self-seeking and embodies true outgoing concern for others. Ministers find unique joy in witnessing progress as they labor to lead others toward repentance and the Kingdom of God, their encouragement turning into gladness at each step forward. Even through trials, joy can be found in suffering for Christ's sake, as Jesus urges us to rejoice and leap for joy in persecution. Through the Holy Spirit, God bestows joy as part of spiritual completion. The Kingdom of God is characterized by joy in the Holy Spirit, producing eternal spiritual fruit, unlike the sorrow and sighing of the world caused by sin. Joy and gladness define the holiness and goodness of the Kingdom. The prospect of salvation and eternal life brings profound joy, not just as an inward feeling but as visible celebration when God's people gather. Everlasting joy awaits when God's Kingdom is established on earth, transforming forsaken places into eternal excellence and a joy for many generations. Until then, we are encouraged to rejoice in the Lord always.