Tammi's Treasures
Monthly Column by Tammi Rhoney

When was the last time you felt truly joyful? Can you remember when you last experienced deep down, exhilarating, toe tingling, laughter-ringing joy? True joy can’t be manufactured; it’s not superficial. It is God-given, comes from deep within and is not based on our circumstances. True joy is based on God Himself, His promises and His character. Joy is also a mark of Christian maturity and an essential Fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22. Without joy, we have missed the heart of the Gospel. So why do so many Christians, including myself, struggle with being joyful in our daily lives?

Many of us struggle with joy because our focus is on our circumstances and not on Jesus. Life can become boring and monotonous, “same old, same old,” and we often lose our joy in the daily routine. Illness, divorce, financial burdens and other daily stressors can also drain our joy. I’ve lived with limitations, often severe, for many years due to a chronic illness and on some days joy seems impossible to find. I have often struggled with the question, “How can I be a Christian and have no joy?” Now that I’m better and more active, some of my joy has returned, but on some days it can still be elusive. The God of all joy says, “Be joyful always …” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). This verse is a command to be joyful no matter what happens in life. Paul also wrote to the Church at Philippi, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). God commands us to rejoice in Him and to be joyful in serving and worshipping Him (Psalm 100:1-2).

Another reason Christians lack joy is because we don’t really believe the Gospel. Our finite minds cannot comprehend how sinful we really are and how dependent we are on God’s mercy and grace. As Christian women, we should preach the Gospel to ourselves daily and rejoice in our unmerited salvation. Isaiah 61:10, one of the most beautiful verses in Scripture, says, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” How can we not be thankful and joyful for what Christ has done for us? He has undeservedly removed our sin and filth and clothed us instead with Christ’s righteousness. That makes us Daughters of the King for all eternity! Our hearts should cry out, as Paul exclaims in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

Someone in Scripture who expressed great joy was the Virgin Mary. It must have been very frightening to have the angel Gabriel suddenly appear out of nowhere and tell her that she would give birth to the Son of God (Luke 2:26-37). Later, Mary was gripped with great joy and proclaimed, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me –- Holy is His Name.” The roughneck shepherds did not miss out on the good news of Christ either. While they were keeping their flocks at night, an angel of the Lord appeared to them and said, “Do not be afraid [natural human response]. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to You; He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:8-12). How exciting! If we have no joy, we have missed the heart of the message of the good news of Jesus Christ.

A present day person who exhibits joy despite his circumstances is Nick Vujicic (pronounced “voy-chic”). Nick was born without arms or legs and has only a small appendage for a foot. He works with the Joni & Friends Ministry and shares his powerful testimony all over the world. When he speaks to a group, Nick will climb up on a desk and walk back and forth while speaking so people can see what he looks like without appendages. As a teenager, Nick struggled with many questions and anger toward God. No one knew why he had been born that way. But, like the man born blind (John 9:1-3), Nick gradually realized that God had a unique plan for his life. He found purpose in encouraging others to have joy despite their circumstances. As Nick says, “The power of Jesus can still transform lives today and He can give us victory in whatever circumstances we are in. Sometimes our mindset can be our greatest disability. If we choose to give up and not keep trying, and many people do, that is the greatest disability of all. All of us experience real trials and it’s not easy to be joyful in the midst of them. When we put our faith in God’s grace and plan, even when we don’t understand, that’s victory, and it’s the Holy Spirit who brings about this change in our hearts.”

Like Nick, we, too, can be joyful despite our circumstances. As Christian women, our joy should glow like a candle in a dark room to illuminate a sin-sick world with the light of Christ. Our joy testifies that knowing Jesus Christ personally enables us to transcend any circumstance. When we have joy in our trials and continue to trust Christ, the world has to stand up and take notice. Our joy during heartache speaks volumes to others about the great faithfulness and goodness of our all-powerful God. Does your joy consistently testify to God’s great faithfulness?

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About the Author: Tammi has suffered with the debilitating illness known as Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (or “CFIDS”) for almost fifteen years. She is an on-line devotional writer for Rest Ministries. When able, she enjoys swimming, sewing, writing and traveling. Tammi’s passion is encouraging others with chronic illnesses to draw closer to Jesus Christ and find hope and strength in Him. Take a minute to visit her website at www.lordhelpmyhusband.com.