JOY to the World

JOY is an attitude of the heart that we adopt, not because of favorable or happy circumstances but because of hope in God’s love and promise of peace.

“Go, eat rich food, and drink something sweet,” he said to them, “and send portions of this to any who have nothing ready! This day is holy to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the JOY from the Lord is your strength!”

— Number 8:10 (CEB)

A starting point for JOY

JOY is a happy word. Who doesn’t like happy words?

JOY is such a great word that it has even become a name — most generally, a female name in English.

JOY, however, is much more than being happy or in a good mood. It’s more than a smiley face or a sunny, cheerful disposition.

There are several “JOYful” words in biblical Hebrew — simcha, sason, or giyl. In the Greek New Testament, too, we…