Joy

Unshaken delight in God.

First Mention in Scripture

Original Word: χαρά (chara)

Reference: Luke 2:10

Meaning: Joy, gladness, delight.

The angel announces the birth of Christ as 'good news of great joy' — showing that joy is bound to the coming of the Savior.

Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances; joy depends on God.

Biblical joy is the settled assurance that God is good, Christ has risen, and the Spirit is with us — no matter what we face.

The gospel is good news of great joy (Luke 2:10) — and joy is both the fruit of salvation and the strength of believers (Nehemiah 8:10).

Joy in Salvation

David prayed, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). Joy flows from knowing we are forgiven, loved, and adopted.

Joy in Suffering

Believers rejoice even in trials, knowing suffering produces endurance (James 1:2–3). Paul rejoiced in prison because Christ was proclaimed (Philippians 1:18).

Joy is not the absence of pain, but the presence of Christ.

Joy Complete in Christ

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

True joy is His joy — unshaken, eternal, complete.

Scripture References

Joy is not fragile — it is anchored in Christ. No trial, loss, or pain can rob the believer of this joy, for it is rooted not in what changes, but in the One who never changes.

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