James 1:1, NRSV
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:Greetings.
Acts 8:1, NRSV
That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria.
James 1:2, NRSV
My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy,
Biblical Joy Defined:
It is a perpetual gladness of the heart that comes from knowing, experiencing, and trusting Jesus.
Martin Lloyd-Jones said, “joy is the response and the reaction of the soul to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 6:9-10, NIV
…dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
2 Corinthians 7:4, NIV
I am overwhelmed with joy despite all our troubles.
James 1:3, NRSV
because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
Romans 8:35, NIV
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
Romans 8:37, NIV
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Job 23:10, NIV
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
James 1:4, NRSV
And let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.
James 1:5, NIV
If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.
1. Joy Is Developed, Not Discovered.
2. Joy Is A Focus Before It Is A Feeling.
Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
3. The Source of Your Joy will Determine the Duration of Your Joy.
John 15:11 , NIV
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Galatians 5:22, NKJV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…
Psalm 16:11, NKJV
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.