In Scripture, joy comes not in the absence of struggle, but during it

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Joy: a faithful act in a fractured world

In a world marked by exhaustion, injustice and grief, joy can feel out of place. How do we celebrate in the shadow of climate anxiety, political chaos, war and spiritual fatigue? And yet, within the Christian tradition, joy has always been more than a fleeting emotion. It is an act of spiritual resistance. Joy is a faithful act in a fractured world.

Throughout Scripture, joy emerges not in the absence of struggle, but during it. The Israelites sang songs of liberation on the other side of the Red Sea (Exodus 15). The psalms speak of joy while being surrounded by enemies. Jesus is the one “who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2 NRSVUE). This kind of joy is not escapism. It is a sanctified celebration; a refusal to let despair shape our imaginations more than the hope of resurrection does.

In this way, joy becomes a radical act of faith. To gather in worship, to sing, to laugh, to marvel at God’s gifts — these are not mere distractions. They are subversive practices that keep us rooted in God’s promises. In a culture that prizes outrage, joy is countercultural.

Church leaders do not cultivate joy by manufacturing cheer. Jesus warned us about seed that is sown on rocky ground. This “seed” is a person who hears the word and “receives it with joy,” but because they have no root, they last only a short time (Matthew 13:20).

In this post-resurrection season, our work is to pay attention to the beauty and blessings of the Spirit whenever and wherever they are. When we do this, we bear witness to the truth that God is still at work and that even now, there is reason to rejoice. So let’s reclaim joy, not as a luxury, but as an essential expression of resilient faith and courageous discipleship.

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We all know that many important and serious things are happening in our world today. On a daily basis, however, I’m trying hard not to forget to pause, breathe and rejoice. Perhaps faithful leadership in our times is about refining the art of holding joy and lament in tension. We need both. Lament without joy can descend into despair. Joy without lament can become irrelevant sentimentality.

The psalmist gives us glimpse of this tension when he says, “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Congregations can cultivate joy through the communal practice of spiritual disciplines (prayer, fasting, generosity), highlighting personal milestones, creating space for gratitude and encouraging intergenerational fellowship. These are the times when we need to call God’s people to find joy in justice, joy in worship and joy in the presence of God.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

You can always reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading!

Editor

Alban at Duke Divinity School

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