PRÉCIS ON JOY IN THE MIDST OF TRIBULATION: ADVANCED CHRISTIANITY FOR GROWN-UPS

SCRIPTURE. “Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.” – JAMES 1:2-3, AMPC

KEY TERM: “JOYFUL.” ‘Chara’ [χαρὰν]: “From a root word meaning, ‘Cheefulness;’ i.e., exceeding gladness or fullness of joy; also, bliss, exuberance, exultation; delight.” NOTE: “In the New Testament, ‘chara’ is used to describe a deep, abiding sense of Joy and Gladness that is rooted in spiritual realities rather than external circumstances. It is often associated with the Presence of the Holy Spirit and the believer’s relationship with God. ‘This Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is characterized by a sense of inner peace and contentment that transcends worldly troubles.’”

QUOTATION. “‘Joy is not optional. It’s essential.’ CHRISTIAN HEDONISM is the conviction that God’s ultimate goal in the world (His Glory) and our deepest desire (to be happy) are one and the same, because God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Not only is God the Supreme Source of satisfaction for the human soul, but God Himself is glorified by our being satisfied in Him. Therefore, our pursuit of Joy in Him is essential.” – JOHN PIPER, Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist,’ 1986; edited

DK’S TAKE. This won’t take long. ‘Christian Joy is found deep in the center of Obedience to the King, period.’ It is not necessarily a feeling, and certainly not the “happiness” that comes with buying a new car (thought that can be nice as well). No, it is that Deep Structure Experience of ‘Knowing,’ truly, fundamentally knowing, that you are pleasing the Lord by your conduct.

‘And the priceless Assurance of Salvation by that Singular Path.’

This is precisely why I stridently reprove the American Pastors so frequently, for their wholesale abandonment of this vital Biblical Principle. Beloved, I am most joyful and at full, sometimes giddy peace when I know that what I am doing is “The Right Thing to Do.” Not necessarily while I am doing it since there is so often serious and even perilous consequence to our obedience.

When this happens, I am powerfully reassured that there is Divine Reward for my actions, either here in this life – or certainly, assuredly, in the Next. And so much more, that I have pleased the Father of Lights – Our Ultimate Mission! Selah.