Article August 26, 1996 Issue

Not very long ago, a headline in The New York Times read, "Forget Money; Nothing Can Buy Happiness, Some Researchers Say" (July 16, 1996). The article accompanying it presented new research suggesting that all people have a genetically established level of happiness. The Bible has a different view. Speaking of God, it declares, "In thy presence is fulness of joy" (Ps. 16:11). Cultivating our knowledge of God's presence with us at all times and in all places brings the lasting joy we so earnestly desire.

The role of joy in Christian healing

Marian English

Joy  has many faces. It may simply be quiet happiness, or sometimes a burst into exuberant delight. It might even have a sparkle of humor, like the good-natured adage that joy is what you feel until you begin to understand the situation. But joy based on a material sense of things is always vulnerable. However carefully one constructs his or her corner of contentment, happiness that rests on human circumstances is fragile. What we are really yearning for is the strong and enduring joy that contributes to healing, joy so trustworthy that it will not fade when we need it most, so stable that it will remain a dependable, uplifting influence deeply rooted in the spiritual love that heals.

This is the joy Christ Jesus expressed. How natural it is to associate joy with his ministry! One cannot think of the countless lives redeemed—then and now—the hungry multitudes fed, the dead raised to life and purpose, without feeling deep gladness and gratitude for his teaching and healing works. Even when they triggered criticism, mockery, and persecution, his words rang with the joy that was continuously replenished from its unfailing source, divine Love. His was a joy so firmly planted on his unchanging relation to God that it could shine through adversity and still remain intact. It was so permeated with unselfish love that it could embrace the hearts of multitudes with healing and hope.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
Spring
August 26, 1996
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit