Deep Joy

Maturity in Christ has a certain look. It is characterized by, among other things, deep joy. Deep joy is not, as one dictionary put it, “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.” The deep joy that is spoken of in the Bible is more of a sense or understanding of being rather than an emotion. It is certainly expressed as an emotion, but it should not be confused with happiness. It should also not be confused with personal well-being or tied to current circumstances, at least not worldly circumstances. It goes much deeper than that. Deep joy comes to us as we understand our standing and place with God and in his communion. Because God is the God of joy (Zeph. 3:14-17), we are a rejoicing people. And as we grow to know and love God more and more, our joy becomes deeper. Because there are no static relationships, that is, all relationships are transformative, as we spend time with God, fellowshipping with him, he transforms us and our joy becomes deeper and deeper.