Conditional Happiness or Unconditional Joy?

When I was in college, I lead a mini-devotion in which I had this phrase stuck in my mind for quite awhile. The phrase was do you want conditional happiness or unconditional joy. That phrase has been something that continues to pop up in my life and ministry. I have pondered over that phrase and it has brought to light some Scripture passages and what they teaches us about true joy.

1. Joy is NOT contingent upon circumstances
So easily does the sin of happiness mask itself within the circumstances that take place in our lives. We don't have to go very far to hear how awful a day has been due to circumstances. Circumstances are unpredictable, unreliable, and emotionally is a rollercoaster ride. So then why would we root so much of our joy in circumstances? I know that if I went to prison (for whatever reason--knock on wood), or were given a pink slip, or told that I had some sort of disease those circumstances DO NOT warrant joy. I would be angry, upset, which would be okay as these are fleshly reactions, but in no way should my joy be gone. If joy were contingent on circumstances explain this passage:

Hebrews 12:2
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

How would one of the most gruesome ways to die be joyful? How is being shamed joyful? The circumstances do not sound joyful to me.

Philippians 1:18-23,25-26
"Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain......Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me."

The circumstances do not give evidence for joy, yet because Paul's joy was not ROOTED or contingent on His circumstances but on something much greater (What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord) he was able to continue his ministry within the prison.

2. Joy is NOT contingent upon what we obtain
Another misconception is that I will find joy in what I have or obtain. Our world is centered on being consumers. I will be the first to tell you it is so cool to get new things. I love getting stuff in the mail: books, soccer jerseys, letters, new stuff, anything from amazon.com! Unfortunately alot of people put their happiness in obtaining or accumulating things. They surround themselves with things that they think will make them happy until that very thing wears off. I usually tell the youth that its similar to a video game that we all have to have and then it gets old. For more overarching view I use clothes or shoes as an example. We are all excited and happy then it wears off. The joy is fleeting, and unfulfilled. That is not the joy that is rooted in Jesus Christ, in fact the joy in Christ provides contentment

Hebrews 10:34-"You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

Philippians 4:10-13:
"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

One of the most abused verses in the Bible comes from 4:13 (or the last sentence-I can do everything through him who gives me strength). People think there is some sort of human effort or power to take on all circumstances. This verse does not indicate that. In fact its rooted in Paul rejoicing in Christ, and the Philippians concern for him. That he has learned to be content in all circumstances (in need or having plenty) because he has Jesus Christ, and that JOY in Christ is not contingent on possessions or lack there of. In fact he can endure anything that affects him because it is Christ who has already given him fullness and therefore strength to endure.

3. We will never find unconditional joy until we recognized that joy can only be found in Jesus Christ.

The Christian theologian St. Augustine put it perfectly in his book "The Confessions", saying, "You made us for Yourself, and our heart is restless until it finds its place of rest in You."

Ask yourself, where is your joy rooted? Could you read the Scripture passages like Phil. 1:18-26; 4:10-13 or Hebrews 10:34 and be able to still be joyful?

Be Blessed