Describe Him: Joy

While I don't think there is a specific declaration in the Bible stating that God is joy, I believe joy is intricately wrapped up in God's character and our relationship with Him: He is the source of any joy.  He is the source of our joy.  In fact, Galatians 5:22 states that part of the fruit of the Spirit (who is God) is producing joy in the believer.

There are several verses that specifically mention the author's desire that the reader would have "full joy": 

John 15, in Christ's incredible teaching about the Vine and the branches and the relationship of the believer abiding in Christ, He says that "these things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."  (John 15:11)  The joy He gives is directly tied to our abiding in Him and obeying His commandments out of love for Him!  He wants us to do these things because it produces joy--full joy!

1 John 1:4 declares that "these things write we unto you that your joy may be full."  "These things" are what was mentioned in the previous 3 verses:

     1. The Word (Christ) has been revealed,

     2. Eternal life has been manifested,

     3. We can have fellowship with the Father and Jesus Christ!

Once again, the essence of our joy is tied up in our relationship with Christ, and in this case, the very Gospel of Christ!  Without Christ, there can be no true joy.  

In 1 Peter 1:8,  we see another aspect of the reality of joy in the believer's life.  1 Peter 1 is set in context of facing trials and persecution.  In other words, Peter was writing to an audience going through suffering that, for all reasons, should be producing anything but joy.   Yet Peter encourages the believers with facts about their salvation and gives hope to endure their immediate circumstances:

     1. Verse 3 reminds them of the confident hope of the resurrection--there is life beyond right here and now!

     2. Verse 4 promises an "inheritance incorruptible...reserved in heaven for you."

     3. Verse 5 states the security of their salvation.

This all sets the stage for why they should have reason to have hope and perseverance in the trials that "for a season" they were in.

Peter reminds his audience that the testing of their faith produces good things and that their faith is not based in something futile:   Because of their love for Christ and their belief in Him--despite the fact that they could not see Him--they could have joy unspeakable (verse 8.)  Christ produces joy in the believer's heart, no matter what the believer's circumstances may be.

For today's believer, these things are still true: life around us might be difficult, but true joy only comes from abiding in Christ and allowing Him to produce that joy in us!