Fostering the Attitude of Joy

1 Thessalonians 5:16

 

SUBJECT: Cultivating the Christian Attitude of Joy

THEME: Joy can be the constant experience of the Christian, even in the most adverse circumstances, because Christ is the source and subject of our joy, and Christ is in control of the circumstances. (W. MacDonald)

INTRODUCTION: As Christians our attitudes, motives, and behaviors are vitally important to God. The most important are our attitudes toward God as we anticipate our Lord’s return. Technically, an attitude is “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.” Attitude has also been defined as “the position or posture assumed by the body in connection with an action, feeling, mood, etc.” Basically, our attitude towards something is the way we think and feel about it, especially when this shows in the way we behave. So, what do you think of the Lord? How do you feel towards him? 

The shocking part is the fact that our behavior reflects our attitudes toward the Lord! Is there a need to focus on our thoughts, beliefs, values, and feelings--you know...deep inner change? Positive changes start with solid applications of biblical truth to our beliefs, attitudes with the result of behavior changes. As Believers we need to be changed and transformed by the Word and Grace of God from the inside out. In addition, our attitudes can be stimulated and refocused on holy character! 

The reality that Christ is coming encourages us to cultivate healthy attitudes and behaviors! If we Christians really believe Christ is coming for us in the Rapture, it will radically change our attitudes and lifestyle. Certainly this is the case with Christians anticipating our Lord’s return. His coming should have a stimulating impact on our attitudes and behavior!

WHAT SHOULD BE OUR ATTITUDES TOWARD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER? What attitudes should we desire and cultivate? (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

I feel more impressed with these attitudes because they focus on the Father of Glory! The first three attitudes that follow seem to relate particularly to the Lord God, our Heavenly Father. The attitudes are joy, trust (prayer), and gratitude and all three relate directly to our relationship with God. Our joy is in Him and from Him. Our prayers are directed to Him as our Provider, and we offer our sincerest and most heartfelt thanks to God!

All of this means our attitudes are a choice! We can choose to be joyful, trusting, and thankful. This is further supported by the fact that God commands these attitudes and behaviors. Each one of these are firm authoritative commands; they are not merely suggestions we can take or leave. We must cultivate the attitudes of Joy, Trust, and Gratitude to ensure they mark our character. 

FOSTER AN ATTITUDE OF JOY  

1Thes 5:16, Rejoice evermore. 

Thesis: We can foster the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord!

Rejoicing always and in all conditions is intentionally developing the character and attitude of spiritual joy!

A.    What Does “Rejoice” Mean?

1.     Rejoice” refers to a positive human condition that can be either a feeling or action. Rejoice means to enjoy a state of happiness and well-being. As an action, rejoicing entails expressing gladness.

2.     Joy is a deep and persisting inner gladness that was promised to believers who abide in Christ by the Lord Himself (John 15:11). Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” It grows in the heart that is in trusting communion with God.

3.     In addition, joy is a profound sense of well-being that is not dependent upon positive circumstances, but is rooted in that fellowship with God through Jesus Christ (1Jn. 1:4). Joy is a deep-seated acceptance of God’s rule and will, and yes, a full confidence in the plan of the Lord.

4.     Believers are instructed and even commanded in the Word to “rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 3:1), we are further encouraged to proceed "rejoicing in hope" (Rom. 12:12), and "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Phil. 4:4). Repeatedly, the Lord prescribes the development of an attitude of joy through practicing joyful expressions. God's people should be distinguished by this incredible quality of joyfulness. Clearly, this will look different in each life influenced by our temperament and personality. Never-the-less, we all should be marked by joyful expressions and forms of exuberance authentic to our unique temperament.

B.     What Is “Evermore” Referring To?

1.     God impresses you and me to rejoice “evermore.” It means to show joy always, at all times, and on all occasions. For the duration of time and with reference to a series of occasions, God calls upon us to rejoice. Joyfulness should be the character of every believer! 

2.     Joy is a choice! Spiritual joy is a conscious decision to rejoice and be joyful in spite of difficulties and challenges. Col 1:24-26, Who now rejoice [to enjoy a state of happiness and well-being] in my sufferings [the state or experience of suffering pain or distress] for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions [trouble, persecution, pain, calamity, distress] of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: ²⁵ Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; ²⁶ Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

3.     Joy can be the constant experience of the Believer, even in the most adverse circumstances. In fact, spiritual joy supplies power to absorb the impact of suffering for Christ’s sake. While this is not true of mere happiness it is certainly true of spiritual joy.

a.      Col. 1:11, Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

b.     Matt. 5:11-12, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. ¹² Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

c.      Acts 5:40-42, And to him [Gamaliel, a doctor of the Law—Paul’s teacher] they agreed: and when they [Sanhedrin Council with the High Priest] had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ⁴¹ And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing [expressing actions of rejoicing, jubilation, and exuberance] that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.          

4.     Certainly, there will be times to weep, times of sadness, and periods of dark feelings, but the overall character of the believer should be joyfulness. In the next article I will give three more reasons why we can keep on rejoicing regardless! 

CONCLUSION:

Principal Rainy (Tan 1979, p. 2821) was so well known for being happy, that a child once commented that she believed he went to Heaven every night because he was so happy every day. He once described Christian’s joy with this metaphor, “Joy,” he said, “is the flag which is flown from the castle of the heart when the King is in residence there.”

Does the Lord Jesus rule and reign over you? Oh, that Christ reigned in every heart! Joy is contentment and satisfaction with God and with all His dealings as He works life together for our good (Phil. 4:11). We may not always “see the good” that God is working in our life at the moment; but we can take Him at His word knowing that He is working it together (Ps. 4:7; 37:5).

Finally, joy involves “looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith.” Christ possessed joy in Hebrews 1:9; 12:2 as He looked beyond the suffering to the glory. Joy enabled Him to endure the cross. Evidently, the “joy of the Lord” (Neh. 8:10) is our spiritual strength, power, and resilience. The more joy resides in and fills our souls the more vigor we have to endure the challenging and painful periods of life. Joy affords us spiritual stamina and strong hearts to keep on going in God’s plans. Rejoice evermore!