Why is joy important for a Christian?
We know a lot of verses in the Bible that commands us to rejoice or be happy or be joyful. Why is it that the Bible put so much importance on Joy? Irrespective of your nature, your race, your state whether happiness or sadness, God commands us to be joyful. Why? The main reason is it that way because the reason for happiness or joy is not about ourselves or our circumstances. It's because of the goodness of God, that we need to be joyful or happy.
One reason the Bible is so relentless in insisting on our joy is because of the goodness of God. The imperative to joy in us is based on the indicative of good in him.
“You shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you” (Deuteronomy 26:11).
Joy in the heart of the creature corresponds to goodness bestowed by the Creator. Joy is the fitting response in the receiver to the goodness of the giver.
Eg: If you are close to bright light or flame, your face will be lit. Joy also works in the same way, if you are close to God (in a personal relationship with God, also means you have received the ultimate goodness of God - salvation) then you must have joy. Have you ever thought about joy in this way? Joy in the creature corresponds to the amount of goodness of the creator.
Gospel and Joy
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Isaiah 52:7 - How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings the good news of happiness, who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Ps 13:5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
Ps 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
The best thing that God has given us is Jesus Christ, the news of that is the glad tidings of joy. The goodness of God (giving Jesus Christ) is a matter of great joy. Joy is definitely the mark of a true Christian.
