Joy Like a Fountain
“I’ve got joy like a fountain.
I’ve got joy like a fountain.
I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.”
This is one verse of a song that I have sung since I was in my home church youth group. It’s an enjoyable song. But, it also teaches a great lesson. Joy really is like a fountain of water. It constantly flows from the heart of the one who is filled with it. If joy resides in your heart, it will not be possible to contain it.
The presence of joy is not dependent upon only good things in life. Peter praised his readers because even though they had been “grieved by various trials”, they “greatly rejoiced…with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (I Peter 1:6, 8). Paul and Silas had the same source of joy for they “were praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25) while they were in prison. James 1:2 expresses it even more directly. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials…”
The presence of joy is dependent upon one good thing in life. Paul reminded the Roman Christians that joy comes from God. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy…” (Romans 15:13) Therefore, Paul admonishes, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
But, those who are joyful are not always happy. Happiness is tied to the outward circumstances of life. Christians can face the death of loved ones who gone on to meet the Lord because they have joy in their hearts. Christians can face trials and tribulations because they have joy. We may not always be happy with our circumstances, but we can still be joyful.
So, how do people who seem to have an abundance of joy do it? Even when things are not good, how do they maintain that infectious joy? Do they have a secret they have not shared with everyone? I think they have found the keys but I don’t think they are secrets.
Key #1 is proper connection. We are all connected in some way to something, but the rejoicers are connected properly. They are properly disconnected from the world (I John 2:15) while remaining properly connected to the world that is yet to come (Colossians 3:1-2). Furthermore, they have a good connection with the people of God who strengthen and improve their joy.
Key #2 is contentment. Contentment is a decision to accept what is and keep moving forward. The difficulties of life are either obstacles or opportunities. People of joy see the opportunities. They are not burdened with covetousness (Hebrews 13:5). They have their treasury in heaven anyway (Matthew 6:19-21).
Key #3 is confidence. The confidence of rejoicers is not in themselves; it is in the one who can be trusted explicitly and implicitly. Paul wrote it this way in the midst of his own suffering. “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” (II Timothy 1:12).
Key #4 is conversion. Rejoicers have been fully converted. They have a child-like approach to God (Matthew 18:3). When Jesus said that we must converted and become like a little child, He did not mean immaturity. He meant things like dependency, appreciation, and openness.
— Mike Johnson
