The Elusive Pursuit of Joy

We all deal with the elusive pursuit of joy. Despite our firm belief that God is sovereign over all things, we find joy elusive. Many ask, “Despite my foundation in Christ, why does joy elude me?” It’s vital to grasp that joy and happiness differ. The absence of joy often stems from a deliberate choice rather than environmental circumstances.

Happiness, fleeting in our fallen world, emerges unexpectedly, concealing itself from plain view. It arises from unlikely sources while remaining distant from apparent ones. An adversary’s defeat yields happiness, while promotions or vacations may not. Unfortunately, brace for erratic, bewildering, and inconsistent gratification if you seek happiness.

James 4:1-2, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” You long for what’s absent, leading to conflict and quarrels. Failing to ask God contributes to lack.”

Distinct from happiness, joy can be summoned at will, irrespective of circumstances. Christians must differentiate between these states, recognizing that challenges persist but need not define us. Our responses define us—do we draw nearer to Christ or distance ourselves?

Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed to us.”

Two main obstacles hinder joy creation: chasing false gods and focusing on the right questions.

Chasing False Gods.

Psalm 16:4, “The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply.”

These “other gods” often hide in plain sight. We passionately dedicate ourselves, unknowingly elevating them to god-like status. Be it family, noble as it is, Christ can be overshadowed. Does our happiness hinge on it, extending to our joy?

“If you love anything better than God, you are idolaters: if there is anything you would not give up for God, it is your idol: if there is anything that you seek with greater fervor than you seek the glory of God, that is your idol, and conversion means a turning from every idol..” – Charles Spurgeon.

Children, marriage, jobs, careers, school, hobbies—even church—can dominate, leading to exhaustion, mistakes, conflict, and separation from God. Though well-intentioned, the process can drain life.

Perspective Matters.

As Sheryl Crow’s song “Soak Up the Sun” conveys, “It’s not having what you want; It’s wanting what you’ve got.”

Perspective matters. Bruce Collie’s testimony exemplifies this. Bruce Collie started pursuing a Superbowl ring in Pee Wee Football. He played for Lee High School and the University of Texas Arlington before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. His lifelong pursuit culminated in two Super Bowl rings. But this accomplishment left him empty and without purpose until he encountered the Gospel through Reggie White. Christ offered purpose beyond material gain.

John 15:9, “Jesus loves us with the same love that the Father loves him.”

Shifting focus to rid our lives of idols demands faith in God’s care. He cares about everything—our children, jobs, lives. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him.

James 1:16–17, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”

While we give God big things, we clutch to minor issues, causing stress. A choice arises: to pout over misfortune or accept God’s control. It’s about Him, not us.

Believing in God’s redemption when unseen requires faith. Faith that God cares, even about small matters. Joy’s choice looms—a tough, counterintuitive choice. The Creator of the universe cares about our bad days. His attention is astonishing; He cares deeply.

Psalm 37:4-6, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will do this.”