“My brothers and sisters, you will face all kinds of trouble. When you do, think of it as PURE JOY (chara: a source of delight, pleasure). Your faith will be put to the test. You know that when that happens it will produce in you THE STRENGTH TO CONTINUE. The strength to keep going must be allowed to finish its work. Then you will be ALL YOU SHOULD BE. You WILL HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED. If any of you need wisdom, ask God for it. He will give it to you. GOD GIVES FREELY TO EVERYONE. He doesn’t find fault.” (James 1:2-5) The word “chara” is used 59 times in the Bible.
You don’t hear the word “joy” used much in conversation these days. My thought is the reason is that the ORIGIN of joy is not discussed very much. In the Bible, the first use of “chara“ is in reference to Jesus. “When the wise men saw the star, they rejoiced with EXCEEDINGLY (sphodra: done to the max) GREAT JOY (chara).” (Matthew 2:10)
The kind of happiness that’s lasting is an inner joy and peace, which endures in ANY CIRCUMSTANCE no matter what comes our way. It may even grow stronger in adversity. This is the kind of happiness to which Jesus summons us in His sermon of the Beatitudes. He alone has the answer to our search for lasting happiness. “If anyone PAYS ATTENTION TO WORD OF GOD wisely, they will find GREAT JOY…happy are they.” (Proverbs 16:20) When our needs are met it will bring us great joy. “…your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall BE ADDED TO YOU.” (Matthew 6:32-33)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham