Longing for JoySample

The Presence of Joy

You know it when you feel joy, yet defining it can be elusive. It’s like trying to describe a friend to someone who doesn’t know them. Theologian Miroslav Volf compares defining joy to describing champagne as “a bubbly liquid” while neglecting its golden color, fruity aromas, and intoxicating effects. To truly grasp joy, one must experience it firsthand. But a definition still helps, so here’s my best shot:

Joy is an emotion that arrives as our lives are apprehended by goodness.

This is joy, reluctantly defined.

If we look closely, joy is often present around us. Like searching for sand crabs on the beach, we may not find it under every rock, but we don’t have to search too hard to uncover it. The invitation of joy often appears unexpectedly during the humdrum of the ordinary. It arrives when something good is at hand, rising and falling like a crescendo. When the symphony of joy ends, we sigh in appreciation, recognizing its goodness.

While we can all experience joy, we can also know “the joy of salvation.” This term encompasses more than just forgiveness; it reflects the holistic restoration of our lives. Salvation reaches into the depths of renewing our bodies, minds, and souls; healing relationships and communities; and restoring creation itself as justice prevails over injustice. This is the story of salvation—a love weaving together a tapestry of complete goodness. I believe every little joy is an invitation and glimpse into this story.

When joy taps us on the shoulder, we turn in surprise. Joy unveils the goodness of life, tuning our ears to the divine benediction in all things: it is good, good, very good. It draws us closer to the joy of salvation. In joy’s presence, our fears begin to ease. We realize we’re not missing out; instead, we can rest our heads against joy and listen to the heartbeat of life and salvation—it is all gift.