I recently heard Pastor Robert Charles Sproul say that a good way to think about joy is to view it as an acronym; “J” for “Jesus”, “O” for “others”, and “Y” for “you”. He said the order is very important if you’re ever to understand what joy is and where it comes from. If Jesus comes first in your order of priorities, followed by others, and then, finally, yourself, you have a good chance of partaking in authentic joy. However, if you have the acronym backwards (as many Christians do), joy will evade you.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
- Colossians 3:1-4

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
- Hebrews 12:1-3

We know that Jesus died in such a horrific manner that it’s both difficult for us to contemplate and impossible to fully comprehend. And yet, as we just noted in Holy Scripture, Jesus had a joy set before Him even while enduring the agony of the Cross!

How can it be that a person can suffer but still have joy? The simple answer is that a person whose focus is on others instead of self is the person whose focus is on the purpose of their suffering rather than the pain it entails.

Jesus possessed authentic joy because He was living for others. He’s our great example through whom we understand joy, itself.

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.
- Mark 12:30-31

Speaking of others…

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 2:1-5

So far we’ve noted “J” and “O” in our acronym “joy”. Lastly, we have “Y”. The Bible clearly instructs you to take care of yourself as you are the steward of your own body and your own life. Since God loves you, He commands you to care for yourself.

Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has looked upon me. My mother's sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept!
- Song of Solomon 1:6

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

So, there you have it: J.O.Y. – Jesus. Others. You. The Bible teaches us that this is the pathway to joy. If you get it backwards, putting yourself first, then others, and then, finally, Jesus; what might you expect will happen to your joy? Maybe it’s best to ask yourself what happens whenever you put self first; try drawing upon your own experiences. What happens to your joy when you live a selfish life? I’ll let you figure that out for yourself (ref: Proverbs 21:13; Romans 2:6-11, 15:1-3; James 4:1-6).

In the meantime, consider the following stanza from the famous Christmas hymn:

Joy to the world the Lord is come

Let earth receive her king

Let every heart prepare Him room

And heaven and nature sing

And heaven and nature sing

And heaven and heaven and nature sing
- Joy to the World

Love in Christ,

Ed Collins