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Do you remember the catchy tune, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, deep in my heart?” The song often referred to as “I’ve Got the Joy,” is often sung at Sunday school and around the campfire and is a reminder that joy is an essential part of the Christian life. The song’s chorus is:
“And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart
Down in my heart.”
It reminds us as followers of Jesus that it is important to know that the source of true joy is in our
relationship with God. Joy is not just a fleeting feeling. It’s a steadfast and enduring state of being that can be experienced even in the midst of trials and challenges because of its source, Jesus.
The Bible provides numerous examples to help us experience joy. Whether it is through seeking God’s presence, trusting in his promises, or cultivating a heart of gratitude, Scripture tells us that joy is attainable and can bring a sense of peace and contentment to your daily life.
But there are things that can kill your joy and one of those things is putting confidence in your flesh! Why? Because your flesh will fail and you will make mistakes in life. So misplacing your joy and confidence by placing it in yourself and what you do—what you are capable of—will lead to disastrous results.
When it comes to putting your confidence and joy in the Lord and not in yourself, the Apostle Paul gives us a solid example. In chapter 3 of his letter to the Philippians Paul says: “Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more” (Philippians 3:1-4).
Paul then goes on to list over seven reasons for fleshy confidence. And then he says, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith” (Philippians 3:7-9).
Paul shows us to not think so highly of ourselves but to rejoice in Jesus. Reminding us that gaining Christ and being found in him are the true keys to your joy.