The freedom of the gospel allows us to press into happy circumstances. It is nothing to fear or mistrust. There is no reason to avoid pleasure just because we know it will fade. It is temporary, but we can be grateful to experience joy while it is with us.

But joy can also transcend any circumstance, if we look at it the right way. Because we can always have joy that God is in our midst. Unlike the Psalmist, on this side of the cross and Pentecost we can have joy that God is within us. 

We probably don’t reflect on that amazing reality often enough. The God who is so large He can hold the world in his hand has taken residence in our hearts. The resurrection power of Jesus is inside, available to help us through every terrain of life. He is always leading, always guiding. He is in our midst. 

Joy is more about who God is than about how we feel. It is rooted in what we choose to value. Pressing into joy is an acknowledgement that God is not only in our midst, but he is good and has our best interest at heart. 

“Cry aloud and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
– Isaiah 12:6