Is it possible to have too much JOY? How does one measure JOY? How does one obtain JOY? Can one give their JOY away?
Let’s see if JOY is even Biblical?
Consider the lilies of the field… Matt 6:28
Consider the lilies of the field… Matt 6:28
Is it possible to have too much JOY? How does one measure JOY? How does one obtain JOY? Can one give their JOY away?
Let’s see if JOY is even Biblical?
thedailylily.com 
These are some penetrating questions when you stop to really think about them.
In responding to the last question first asking if joy is even Biblical…Galations 5:22 says there is a joy that is a fruit of the Spirit. But Proverbs 15:21 says, however, that joy can be foolish, “Folly brings joy to one who has no sense.”
“Is it possible to have too much JOY? Not if overflowing is a measurement.
John 15:11 AMP says:
“I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.”
“How does one measure JOY?” If the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10) then maybe strength is a measurement. Or keeping God’s commandments (John 15:11)
“How does one obtain JOY” having faith and believing and rejoicing in God (I Peter 1:8); obeying His commands (John 15:11)
“Can one give their JOY away?” I guess if it a fruit of the Spirit, it can be given to others in the body of Christ to encourage and build their faith.
If Joy is a virtue, a grace that lasts for life, then I guess we need all the joy we can obtain so that it will keep us steadfast till the end.
Joy, according to Web On-line Dict. is overall contentment and pleasure that lasts through difficult as well as happy times. Happiness is temporal while joy is eternal.
As Debi wrote, if the joy of the Lord is my strength then my JOY should be overflowing in how I witness, testify, conduct my life, public and private and if I am ready to give an account to all who ask what if the source of the joy that is manifested by/through/in my lifestyle. If I am wimpy in any of these then there is question as to whether I have true joy in my life, the joy of my salvation, since my testimony is wimpy and questionably presented….if at all.
We do obtain joy from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord and King; from reading the Word and believing the great and precious promises and by doing good deeds. There is a quote by Shakespeare that says, “Things won are done; joy’s soul lies in the doing.” If “the doing” is inspired by the Spirit of the living God then we win the joy of the Lord that increases in our souls. And in ” the godly doing” we offer the fruit, as Debi said above, of the Spirit which is “joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
Maybe another way to measure joy in our lives is by the measure of God’s presence. Is the math formula, the longer we linger, the more we have? Or is it an understanding and appropriate response to His presence?
Different translations from Psalm 16;11 read: “you will fill me with joy in your presence; in your presence there is fullness of joy; Complete joy is in your presence”
Lots of questions to tackle here! I think I might consider just one of them, first. How about…”Let’s see if JOY is even Biblical?”
Read with me the following scripture and footnotes: (Psalm 4:7) “You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.” Footnotes for this verse: “Two kinds of joy are contrasted here, inward joy that comes from knowing and trusting God and happiness that comes as a result of pleasant circumstances. Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God; happiness is unpredictable. Inward joy defeats discouragement; happiness covers it up. Inward joy is lasting; happiness is temporary.”
Hum, looks like this could support that JOY is Biblical!?!?! Would everyone agree?
I agree, Needles. According to your footnotes both joys are in the Bible but but choosing the greater inward joy would be my desire.
Amen, Needles. Joy is truly Biblical. And the Joy that Jesus has, that He has given His disciples is everlasting and eternal.
Thinking more on joy…In measuring joy, since it is a fruit of the Spirit, a result of walking in the Spirit and opposite a work of the flesh, I don’t see in scripture where it is measured as a feeling. However, my Bible index says it can be expressed by songs, musical instruments, sounds, praises, shouting and the letting the heart be cheerful. So there must be things we can do, steps to take, choices to make to ‘be’ joyful.
Also, I think Joy is a secure sense that no matter what “floods, conflagrations” or other things arise in one’s life and though we may be grieving for a loss, or facing a personal crisis and not “happy” about something in our lives…yet, we have that Joy of knowing in our heart of hearts that if obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ, I will have a glorious, eternal outcome. Happiness is good, but temporal. Joy is everlasting
Maybe like saying, happiness is optional but joy is eternal.
Yes, for me obedience produces a joy in knowing the Father is pleased. Finding that rest, peace and joy in walking in obedience to God’s will is a treasure. The apostle John’s joy came in knowing that others were also walking in obedience.
” I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.” 3 John 1:4 NLT