Joy Emerges from the Refinery of Adversity

When I was a boy, we could always find Joy in our home. But I don’t mean the exhilarating human emotion. I’m talking about the liquid dishwashing detergent, the one that promised, “From grease to shine in half the time.”  

We didn’t have a dishwasher back then – hardly anyone did – so I guess people tried to find joy in the task any way they could. Maybe that’s why Proctor & Gamble introduced the product in 1949 – literally to put Joy in dishwashing. But unless going from grease to shine as quickly as possible is your passion, washing dishes isn’t where I’d expect to find much joy.

Curiously, Joy was a major sponsor for soap operas like “Search for Tomorrow.” If you’ve ever watched a soap opera, you know joy doesn’t figure prominently in many of the scripts. Anger, angst, fear, frustration, envy, jealousy, disappointment, and despair? Of course. But joy? Not so much.

 

What exactly is joy? And how do we achieve it? 

 

For starters, joy isn’t synonymous with happiness. I might feel happy when something nice or fun happens to me. Because happiness and happenings are tightly intertwined. Take football games, for example. Fans experience happiness when their team scores. They’re all smiles, high-fiving, clapping and cheering. But that sense of jubilation quickly fades when the opposing team returns the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown.

 

Joy is different. It’s an inner quality that endures despite external circumstances. In fact, the most difficult situations can result in the greatest joy. This is why the apostle James started his letter with this admonition: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

 

Note that James didn’t direct his readers to be happy. God doesn’t command a happy response when we receive a scary health diagnosis, encounter financial struggles, lose a job, or fail to receive the expected promotion. When a relationship with a beloved family member or close friend is broken, “Don’t Worry. Be Happy” probably isn’t the song that comes to mind.

 

Instead, the apostle exhorts us to regard it as “pure joy” when adversity becomes an ever-present companion. James clearly isn’t talking about happiness.

 

He and another apostle, Paul, concurred. Writing to believers in ancient Rome, Paul offered a similar perspective. He said, “…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us” (Romans 5:3-5).

 

We’re to “rejoice,” Paul declared. In other words, to find joy in the midst of suffering. But how?

 

I remember my friend Dave, who early in his walk with Christ would often confide his struggles with his mentor. That mentor, also named Dave, would listen attentively, then smile and respond, “Dave, you’re in a great position.” In view of his challenges, my friend Dave didn’t regard those as being in “a great position.” But over time he came to understand what his mentor meant.

 

There’s a saying that “the strongest steel is forged in the hottest fire.” This isn’t a simplistic aphorism. In terms of metallurgy, heating metal up to high temperatures promotes necessary chemical reactions that transform iron into steel. Similarly, the fires of adversity and suffering can prove beneficial by forging resilient spiritual qualities such as perseverance, character, hope, unwavering faith – and joy.

 

We have no greater example of this seeming paradox than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Hebrews 12:2-3 points to Him: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2-3). This says Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” Wow!

 

The night before, when He would be betrayed, Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane, taking with Him the disciples Peter, James and John. We’re told, “He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death…” (Matthew 26:37-38). You don’t have to read between the lines to recognize that happiness wasn’t an emotion Jesus was experiencing.

 

Joy, however, prevailed. In spite of false accusations, brutal torture, being forced to Golgotha, and then experiencing the most horrific form of execution, Jesus’ joy was undiminished. Because He was fulfilling His ultimate mission: To become the atoning sacrifice for the sins – yours and mine, and countless others who would place their faith in Him. In ways we can’t humanly comprehend, all that Jesus went through was entirely worth it.

 

Someone reading this might be thinking, ‘I get it. Happiness isn’t the same as joy. But what if I can’t seem to find joy either? I had it once, but seem to have lost it.' In that case I’d recommend adopting the prayer of King David who, devastated by the guilt of his sins with Bathsheba, was desperate to be restored to a right relationship with God.

 

David prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:10-12).

 

As we discover in reading the rest of David’s life, God heard and answered his prayer. Spiritually cast in the refining fire, he emerged stronger and more faithful than ever. The Lord will do the same for you and me as well, if we sincerely seek Him.

Hating to Exercise, Loving to Have Exercised

Weights can't help to make us stronger until we pick them up.

More than 20 years ago, after my first trip to Europe where I walked for miles every day, I decided to continue my new habit by power-walking several times a week. Then, after my open-heart surgery in 2006, I resolved that if I came through the operation successfully, I would do everything my doctors recommended for recovery, including exercise.

Ever since, I’ve been engaging in regular cardio exercise and weight training programs, three to five times a week for at least 30 minutes each time. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: I hate to exercise! From the minute I arrive, I’m looking forward to the moment I can stop. However, one other thing: I love to have exercised! (Yes, past tense.)

Some of the people I see working out at the Y seem to enjoy what they’re doing. But very few. And I have real concerns about their mental health. Most of us go about our workout routines somewhat grudgingly, knowing it’s good for us but convinced it’s even better when it’s over. Going through it is hard work, even a bit of a pain. But the sense of satisfaction in being able to say, “I exercised today,” and knowing it’s been beneficial physically, mentally and emotionally is substantial.

It's kind of the same with spiritual exercise – having to exercise our faith. Most of the time we don’t relish circumstances that necessitate having to put our faith into practice, but in retrospect we can see the benefits of having done so. Often, it’s through the eyes of faith in the midst of trials that we can best see the power, love, grace, mercy and faithfulness of God at work in our lives.

Recently I was part of a small group talking about this. We were looking at what the apostle James wrote, exhorting us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). Two words stuck out in our discussion: “joy” and “perseverance.”

Cardio equipment looks nice, but won't do us much
good if we don't actually use it.

We agreed joy is a very good thing. The more of it, the merrier. Except when it’s connected to adversity, struggles and suffering. Then, we’re inclined to wonder, where’s the joy in that? And yet the Scriptures tell us to consider it “pure joy” when we encounter all kinds of trials. Maybe it’s a misprint, or mistranslation?

Sorry, but no. Because we see the same teaching expressed in similar terms elsewhere in the Bible. For instance, 1 Peter 1:6-7, penned by another apostle, offers this view: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Many kinds of trials, intended to prove the genuineness of our faith – what’s up with that?

And then we have the words of a third apostle, Paul, sent to believers in ancient Rome: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). Paul not only urges us to rejoice when we’re going through times of suffering, but also to recognize why – to develop perseverance, character, and hope.

Thinking back over my life, I recall a number of trials we didn’t really appreciate at the moment – a house that took months to sell after we had committed to buy another one (without a contingency); searching for new job opportunities when it became apparent it was time for me to move on from the old one; stressful medical diagnoses and treatment; times when we had too much month left at the end of our pay.

In the midst of those and other trials, it wasn’t fun. Just like going through a rigorous workout session. Grunting and groaning all the way, waiting expectantly for it to be over. Yet, with the glorious, perfect vision of hindsight, we could see how God graciously used those challenges for our good. To strengthen our faith. Teach us to persevere even when the end of the tunnel seemed dark. Enable us to learn more profoundly and deeply what it means to truly trust in the Lord with all our heart, without leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

So I’ve learned that while I might not like situations that require me to exercise my faith and put it to the test, I do love the outcome. Greater confidence in my Shepherd and Provider; ability to view future trials with greater hope and expectation, and an ever-growing body of evidence that proves indeed, the Lord will never leave me nor forsake me, as we’re assured in Hebrews 13:5. 

At the gym or YMCA, just looking at the exercise equipment and weights won’t get us into shape. We have to move into action. In a similar way, how can we truly understand what faith is all about until we’re forced to live it out in practical ways?

Is Happiness God’s Desire for Us?

From time to time we hear people say things like, “I know God wants me to be happy.” Some TV preachers make similar statements, declaring with broad smiles that since we’re God’s children, He wants us to be happy, frequently interpreted to mean we can have and do anything we want.

But is happiness really God’s primary goal and desire for us?

This came to mind while reading the online journal of a friend who has waged a lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis, a debilitating, genetic disorder that affects the lungs primarily but also other organs. There is no cure for CF, and it’s one of the most widespread life-shortening genetic diseases around the world.

David, who has far exceeded doctors’ projections for his lifespan, often speaks about the joy of the struggle he and his family have experienced. It’s noteworthy, however, that he rarely uses the words “happy” or “happiness.” Because the difference between joy and happiness is almost as dramatic as night and day.

Much of what David’s had to endure in his treatments have not made him, his wife or children happy. Despite all that hardship – and there’s been a lot of it – they have never lost their joy.

Joy, especially for followers of Christ, comes from within. It involves emotion, but is based more on enduring faith and trust in God rather than external events. It can enable us to experience peace and comfort even in the midst of severe difficulties. That’s why we’re exhorted to, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2).

Happiness, however, is largely predicated on happenings. I can feel happy about getting a new car, but if someone backs into it in the mall parking lot, my happiness suddenly disappears. If I receive a promotion and a sizable salary increase at work, I feel happy. But if I return home and discover major repairs are needed, consuming my pay raise and more, then as the Everly Brothers used to sing, “bye-bye happiness.”

So what does the Bible say about this? In some Bible translations the word “blessed” is translated “happy.” But this doesn’t describe a state of perpetual bliss. In fact, Psalm 94:12, which says, “Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law,” has also been translated, “Joyful are those you discipline” and “Lord, happy is the man you discipline….” How often do we feel happy when undergoing some form of discipline?

Another passage, Psalm 1:1, states, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked…” but also can be translated, “How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked….” In many cases, the alternate uses of “blessed” and “happy” seem directly related to one’s willingness to obey and uphold God’s laws and standards.

This isn’t to say God is opposed to seeing us happy. He doesn’t frown when we listen to a comedian who provokes us to belly laughter. God’s not annoyed when we enjoy a nice vacation, get that hoped-for new job, earn good grades, or even receive an unexpected gift. He just wants us to maintain a proper perspective, recognizing life isn’t always happy – or fair.

As King Solomon wrote, “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future” (Ecclesiastes 7:14). The New Living Translation expresses it this way: “Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.”

If we make happiness our goal, we’re going to spend much of our lives very disappointed. Random forces around us usually don’t conspire to make us happy. But if our desire is to experience and exhibit the joy of the Lord, He promises us, “No problem. I can do that for you!”

Happy, Happy, Happy

A Facebook friend, in response to one of my comments, recently observed how we feel about things and life in general, like being happy or sad, is largely a matter of choice. There’s a lot of validity to that. I recall years ago someone wrote a book called Happiness is a Choice. I never read it, so apparently I chose to be happy without it.

In many instances we can actively choose our attitudes. Urban Meyer, head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team (it’s my blog, so I can mention them if I want!) has been using a formula with his players supporting this concept: E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome).

That idea finds affirmation in many quarters. We all remember the lilting Bobby McFerrin tune, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” I’ve not become an avid fan of the TV reality series “Duck Dynasty,” but noticed Phil Robertson, the original Duck commander (head quack pot?) has written an autobiography called Happy, Happy, Happy. Better than sad, sad, sad for sure.

"Happy" can come and go in
an instant. "Joy" stays forever.

Being essentially a glass-half-full kind of person, finding the happier side of things might be easier for me than for some others. But I only agree with the notion that we can choose to be happy to a degree. Since our state of “happy” is strongly influenced by happenings around us, remaining happy about everything would require some level of lunacy or cluelessness.

Suppose you’ve had an enjoyable time at the mall, bought a few nice things you needed – or wanted – and you’re feeling happy. Then you notice the fender on your car, smashed, taillight in smithereens on the pavement. You search for a note from the offending motorist, but there’s none. It was hit-and-run, and now you’re calling your insurance agent, unsure about the extent of your uninsured motorist coverage. How happy are you now?

Or you’ve been having a bothersome pain, so you go to your physician, who orders a couple of tests and some blood work. “It’s probably nothing to be concerned about,” she assures you in her best effort to avoid admitting, “I don’t have a clue what’s wrong with you.” A day or two later you receive a phone call and learn the “probably nothing” is definitely something, and it needs to be treated immediately. How happy are you now?

Or you report for work, as you have the past dozen years or so, ready to tackle another day of challenges. Your boss calls and asks you to come by his office. As compassionately as possible, he informs you the company is being forced to make some regrettable cuts – and sorry, you’re a “cut-ee.” How happy are you now?

There’s even a misconception that if you’re a follower of Christ you’re supposed to be continually happy. After all, doesn’t the old hymn say, “and now I am happy all the day”? But in reality, the state of being or feeling happy is neither requirement nor expectation for following Jesus.

Checking with my trusty concordance, the word “happy” appears less than 30 times in the entire Bible. However, there are more than 200 variations of the word “joy” in the Bible. In reality, happy is to joy what a housecat is to a tiger. Totally different animal.

Yes, there are many times when happiness and joy intersect. But joy can exist – even endure – when happy goes away. That’s the promise Jesus made to all who follow Him.

He said, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:9-11).

One thing Jesus never promised His followers was they would always be happy or without problems. In fact, He assured just the opposite. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In place of “take heart,” other translations use the words “be courageous” or “be of good cheer.” In other words, we can rejoice even when we find nothing to feel happy about.

Gazing at the world around us, some of us may be delighted by what we see, others may feel distressed. You might have just experienced one of the happiest moments of your life, or you may be enduring a great personal loss or tragedy. Regardless of the circumstances, even when we feel overwhelmed, incapable of choosing to be happy, we can experience the joy only Jesus can give. 

Happiness Is Overrated

How many times have you heard someone say, “I deserve to be happy!” or some variation of that to justify everything from buying a new 70-inch flat-screen TV to getting a divorce? The mantra tells us, “If it feels good, do it.” That will make us happy, right? And doesn’t God want us to be happy? Lots of people say He does.

I’m all for happiness, don’t get me wrong. Even the U.S. Constitution says everyone’s entitled to “the pursuit of happiness.” But I’ve learned that trying to hang onto happiness is like attempting to grasp steam rising from a hot cup of morning coffee. Now you have it – now you don’t.

Years ago a wise man made an important distinction between happiness and joy. Happiness, he explained, is determined by happenings. When something good happens, you feel happy. But when something bad happens a few minutes later, happiness is displaced by unhappiness.

Take the example of an athletic contest against your team’s dreaded rival. Near the end of the game, your team scores the go-ahead touchdown or goal. You cheer. You’re euphoric. “We’re going to win!” Happy, happy!

Then the other team gets the ball and the star player for Most-Hated University takes it the length of the field for the winning score. You frown. You feel despair. Bye-bye, happiness.

I remember going to a theatrical performance one time, a very enjoyable evening. It was late, so I looked forward to going home. Preparing to leave, I discovered someone’s vehicle has slid on the ice-crusted parking lot and dented one of my car’s fenders. Instantly my smile drooped upside-down into a frown.

Oh – the rest of the wise man’s distinction: Unlike happiness, which depends on external circumstances, joy comes from within, he said. It gives a sense of well-being, hope and peace that endures even in the most dire situations: A discouraging health diagnosis, money problems, family conflict, crumpled fenders, a ruined roast with guests expected within five minutes. Unhappy developments, but happenings can’t touch internal joy.

That’s why the Bible can make this strange declaration: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

The apostle Paul presents a similarly curious admonition in his letter to followers of Jesus in Rome: “…but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-5).

One who had experienced his share of hardship and adversity, Paul had it right. Struggles don’t make us happy, but they can make us better, helping to transform us into people of godly character. And therein lies the joy.

Buying Happiness

Whoever first said, “Money can’t buy happiness,” probably didn’t have any. Sounds like sour grapes.

Today millions of people are devoting much time and energy “buying happiness.” And they’ll succeed. Christmas morning will elicit squeals of delight at the sight of shiny new bicycles, happy hoots when the latest electronic gizmos are unwrapped, and bright smiles when coveted sweaters, jewelry and other treasures emerge from gaily colored boxes.

The only problem? The happiness money buys won’t last. Novelty fades and fascination gives way to familiarity. Today’s technological wonder becomes tomorrow’s ho-hum as something faster and flashier succeeds it. Even new cars get dirty and dented. Wreck your sedan – where’s “happiness” then?

Years ago I heard a radio speaker put it into perspective: Happiness is not to be confused with joy. Happiness is dependent on happenings – externals – while joy comes from within and can remain untarnished by things that occur outside our control.

For instance, a new picture may make me happy, but if I pound my thumb with a hammer while preparing a place to hang it, I’m no longer happy. However, if that picture contains images of people I love, my joy in beholding it remains even while my thumb throbs.

Joy transcends isolated events. It involves contentment, fulfillment, meaning, even a sense of belonging. This is why James 1:2 can tell us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” We may not be happy about losing a job, not being able to buy things we want, or having to deal with some dreaded disease, but we can still retain joy in knowing God loves us, has our best interests at heart, and is not surprised by any adversities we may encounter.

Money can buy fleeting happiness, but it can’t buy joy!