3 Reasons Why Joy Can Be a Tough Sell
Months ago, my conversation with a publishing professional turned personal. She said, “Joy is a tough sell.”
To some degree, I agree.
The world can be a cruel place where we are pounded with harsh realities and drained of our reasons to smile.
However, from a spiritual perspective, joy is a gift. It is given to anyone who delights in salvation through Christ. Sadly, the gift often goes unwrapped as life becomes unraveled.
This is what James says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1:2-4 NLT).
When we’re going through a difficult time, James’ words may sound unreasonable. These verses hit us right between the eyes, as we look at the distance between what we have and what we desire. But faith tested today can be growth realized tomorrow.
Inspired by my conversation, I have identified three reasons joy can be a tough sell. You may see your next step of growth or what hinders it.
Joy can be a tough sell when we keep looking at our problems and stop delighting in the promises. Joy happens for those who “delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night” (Psalms 1:2 NLT).
Joy can be a tough sell when we only want God’s help to get what we want; instead of embracing His help to become who He calls us to be. “But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God” (Psalm 146:5 NLT).
Finally, joy can be a tough sell when our soul has a joy deficit. These deficits create cravings only God can fulfill. If we struggle with finding delight in knowing, serving or trusting Him, these words about God become our solution. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 ESV).
As we face “troubles of any kind” the enemy of our soul wants us to experience stress and fear of every kind. He wants us to believe joy isn’t possible because the enemy knows its power.
To be clear, biblical joy is not pretending to be happy when we’re hurting. It doesn’t require a fake smile or even a false praise when everyone is looking. In difficult times, our faith is fueled by knowing the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
To be clear, biblical joy is not pretending to be happy when we’re hurting. It doesn’t require a fake smile or even a false praise when everyone is looking. In difficult times, our faith is fueled by knowing the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
Joy was present as Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead for our victory. He did it for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).
Now He sets His joy before us. (John 15:11). It doesn’t have to be a tough sell.
Reflection:
How has a difficult experience resulted in you finding delight in the Lord? If you’re not there yet, which Scripture from this devotional encourages you the most?
For more encouragement check out our YouVersion Devotionals.
Joy A. Williams is amazed that her first name became her life’s mission. As a writer and speaker, her passion is helping women to live their joy stories when living by faith is a challenge. In addition to her “Joy to the Soul” blog, Joy’s writing is also featured on Proverbs 31 Ministries’ First 5 app, on Day Spring’s (in)courage devotionals and in her YouVersion Bible reading plans. Leaning on God’s grace, she loves seeing life unfold with her husband Brady and their adult son.
