Joy Chronicles - 1.2

Hebrew =D

When I begin studying a new topic, the first thing I always do is turn to dictionaries. I want to make sure I understand a word or concept before I study it.

Using common apps like Blue Letter Bible and Bible Hub, I typed in the word "Joy".

Depending on the translation of the Bible, I found more than 500 uses of the word Joy in the whole Bible! That does not even include synonyms or situations that clearly imply the presence of Joy. This could get overwhelming quickly. So I turn to the first mention of Joy in the Old Testament. This means I am looking for the word in Hebrew.

Here's what I found:

Original Word: שִׂמְחָה

Part of Speech: Noun Feminine (How delightful the Joy is feminine ;))

Transliteration: simchah

Pronunciation: sim-KHAH

Phonetic Spelling: (sim-khaw')

KJV: exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing)

NASB: joy, gladness, pleasure, rejoicing, delight, exceeding joy, festival

(Click the definition to see it in Biblehub.com)

Fun Fact: One of the Authors of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, along with the famous Julia Child, was Simone Beck. You know what here nick name was? Simca :) (Joy) If I ever get another cat... I think I will name it Simca.

I already love the definition and these synonyms!

It can be a noun, verb, or adjective. Talk about all-encompassing possibilities for experiencing joy.

You can:

• Have Joy

• Be Joyful

• Express Joy

• Feel Joy

• Experience Joy

• Enjoy Joy =)

First person to enjoy Joy?

14Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you." Exodus 14:4

Aaron was the first person the Bible says was joyful, through the translation in NIV says "glad". Here's the context; God had just revealed Himself to Moses in the bunring bush that wasn't burning. He gave Moses a clear and undeniable mission; complete with instructions and miracles Moses was going to get to perform.

I feel like if God would be so kind as to reveal Himself to me in such an amazing way, give me clear instruction on what exactly He wanted me to do, along with some miracles I was going to get to perform in the process, I wouldn't complain! I think I would have felt immense joy. "Yes God, if you want to do this with me, I wouldn't be upset. :)"

But, faced with the enormity of the task God was describing, Moses was complaining about his inadequacies and trying to wiggle his way out of this assignment from God. Hmm, maybe that would be me too :?

God was NOT happy with Moses. The text says He, "burned with anger" against Moses. Yet, He graciously met Moses' obvious fear with the relief of help. Aaron had apparently been out, looking for Moses just at that time of day. And at that very moment God says that Aaron was coming and that He would be "FILLED WITH JOY in his heart" to see his brother, Moses.

The first lesson about joy is that it fills our hearts when we see or reconnect with someone we love. Of course, a source of joy is the people in our lives who are precious to us. And what an amazing thought, that I -- and that you-- bring joy to the people who count you as precious. You, my friend, are a source of joy for people.

Take a minute and let that sink in. You are a source of joy.

Application

When joy seems to be lacking, seek the presence of the people who are precious to you. Calling and texting are OK, but physical presence seems to be where it's really at. It's being in the company of people. Looking at their faces, giving a hug, or fist bump, or however you life to greet people. It's exchanging warm greetings and inqiuring into one anothers well-being. It's sharing and listening. Joy is in seeking the presence of people and being present for people.

For all the introvereted souls out there, myself included, this is for you. Yes, you need time alone to fully rest and recharge. But, friends, you need people, and you have to remember that people need you.

It's about the people in our lives. In this age of technology, people are a critical ingredient to a life of joy. Yes I see the irony as I sit here on my computer ;)

So here's to...

• Family dinners

• Game nights (or karaoke nights if your family is a little different like mine :))

• Church families

• Bible Studies

• Dinner parties with friends

• Hobbies with people who enjoy what you enjoy

• Neighbors

• The person at the checkout line at the grocery store

• The bank teller

• Co-workers

Here's to family

And here's to friends.

May you feel Joy in your heart today as you yourself become a source of joy in every encounter with precious people.

Study was done using One Voice methods

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