The Joy Of Heaven

Luke 15:8-10

There is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents. (Luke 15:10)

A LONG LINE OF ORTHODOX, Catholic, and Protestant leaders and thinkers have remarked that joy is the defining characteristic of a Christian. They have emphasized the depth of satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from knowing God and living in his presence. Our heart connection with God may lead us to experience all kinds of sentiments that reflect his nature, but perhaps the most significant for us to understand is the joy and affection he has for his people and his celebration of love. If any single mood captures the culture and climate of his Kingdom, it’s joy.

We know from the prophets that God delights in his people and rejoices over them with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). We see Jesus tell his disciples of the joy in heaven over wayward souls that return to God (Luke 15:10). We hear the words of Paul reminding us to rejoice at all times (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16). And we are given a glimpse of the multitudes gathered around God’s throne, worshiping him with exhilaration and singing new songs about his goodness and love (Revelation 5:11-14). In all our efforts and desire to become like the Father and do what is pleasing to him, it should be very clear from Scripture that letting ourselves be joyful will go a long way toward aligning our hearts with his. Our emphasis on doing the right thing must always come in the context of picking up on his joyful mood. Otherwise our doing becomes hard and unfruitful.

Remember this as you live out your role as salt and light in this world. Joy is captivating. Arduous obedience is not. The heart of God is winsome. Discouragement is not. The true nature of God will win hearts and minds even when words will not convince. One of our highest priorities as believers is to join in his celebration, overflow with gladness, rejoice when wayward souls find their true home, and reflect the culture and climate of the Kingdom everywhere we go.

{Father, may I embody the mood of heaven in everything I do. Even if I were to do everything right according to the teaching of your Word, without joy I would be out of sync with you. Let my heart burst with your goodness always. Amen.