Reflections on Joy

posted by Navigators on October 30th, 2026 in Joy

By Rob Bolton, South-East Queensland Labouring Community

OUR SOURCE OF JOY

Our joy as believers is distinct, based on God’s presence and promises. It is deep, enduring and spiritual. It can persist and coexist through suffering and is specifically sourced through faith in Christ by grace alone.

Joy makes life great!

Our joy comes from the Lord. It comes from His constant presence in our lives. Joy is a hallmark of one who is humbly walking by faith in dependence upon the Lord. It is God-given, an underlying joy which is enduring, from a solid trust that can’t be shaken. It is rooted in and integral to our walk with God, sustained as we keep Christ central, having the assurance of hope, and walking in God’s way.

Verses to ponder: James 4:6a, John 15:11, Colossians 1:11-12, Romans 8:39.

JOY IN HOPE

‘Hope’ is so important in our journey – a source of both joy and motivation. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that we need to be ‘looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God’ (Heb 12:2). Joy and hope help drive us on.

Christ gives us ‘the full assurance of hope’ (Heb 6:11), and His power at work in us keeps us going as we keep Him central in our lives. That gives us joy. Our hope is an anchor of the soul! Jeremiah said, ‘“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”’ (Lam 3:25).

Thus, the apostle Paul wrote, ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.’ (Rom 15:13).

JOY IN HIM

Plant with exposed roots. Photo: Thomas Vogel, Canva, used under licence.

Our great, steadfast Christian joy is secure and ever-growing in our relationship with God and His presence. Our joy is rooted in our relationship with Jesus; that we are redeemed and united with Him through faith gives us access to the greatest joy.

It begins with the assurance of salvation, our place is secure, we are redeemed, ‘God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.’ (1 Jn 5:11-12)

It grows in fellowship and in deepening our understanding and relationship with Him, ‘let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice … seek his face always.’ (Ps 105,1-4; Jer 9:23,24; Ps 21:6; Ps 43:4; Ps 143:8,10)

And it is made complete in following Him, growing in Christlikeness and obedience as His disciples, ‘I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.’ (Jn 15:1-11; Jn 17:13; Gal 2:20; 1 Cor 15:58)