I want to say that it’s an oxymoron . . . that the two words don’t make sense together. And yet, I hesitate. I want to be careful about being glib . . . or even a bit arrogant about asserting the absurdity of using the phrase. But as I mull it over, I think it’s true. They are two words, that though they often find themselves in partnership, shouldn’t be paired together. What’s the phrase that’s got me thinking it makes no sense? “Joyless Christian.” What’s got me thinking about it? A verse in Psalm 21.

For You [O LORD] make him [the king] most blessed forever; You make him glad with the joy of Your presence. (Psalm 21:6 ESV)

Psalm 21 is, at its essence, a song born out of victory and recognizes the power of God as the source of victory. The king rejoices in the Lord’s strength . . . he exults in the Lord’s salvation (v.1) . . . he acknowledges that any glory he possesses is due to the splendor and majesty bestowed on him by the Lord’s grace (v.5). The king asserts that he trusts in the Lord and is confident that “through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved” (v.7). And so, declares David, the Lord makes Him glad, causes him to rejoice . . . with a joy, a pleasure, a mirth, that comes from knowing the Lord’s presence.

And at first, I’m thinking. Sure David, easy to know joy when there’s victory. Doesn’t take much to set your feet to dancing when you’re on the winning side of the battle. When “the Lord’s presence” is another way of saying “when the Lord whoops your enemies”, you might expect joy to a by product.

But it’s not “the victory” that leads to joy, it’s the presence of the Lord which is the source of an inner, abiding gladness. And, as I noodle on it, triumph is only one of many experiences in which God makes Himself known. As I think about it, God has promised to never leave or forsake of His own (1Sam. 12:22, Heb. 13:5) . . . to be with them always — through trial and triumph . . . and thus, regardless of circumstance, the child of God can perpetually know joy, because the child of God can perpetually know the presence of God. Conclusion? “Joyless Christian” is an oxymoron.

If it’s the presence of God which ignites joy . . . and God’s lives in us through the Holy Spirit . . . shouldn’t there be an abiding joy in all circumstance? Shouldn’t there be a gladness that comes simply from reading His word as, again through the Holy Spirit, we are privileged to know the mind of God through the wonder of divine illumination? Even in our deepest trials . . . when we find ourselves crying out to heaven . . .even then, as we’re welcomed into the holy of holies by the blood of Jesus to petition the God of creation to “find grace to help in time of need” . . . as we’re reminded that Jesus stands alongside and intercedes on our behalf . . . as we experience something of the God of all comfort and the peace that passes understanding . . . and thus, the presence of God . . . isn’t then the place of trial also a context to know joy inexpressible . . . gladness that comes from the joy of His presence?

I’m thinkin’ . . .

Victory is great. I prefer it over the battle. But the battle is the Lord’s (1Sam. 17:47) . . . and even in the battle, maybe especially in the battle, His presence can be known . . . and in His presence there is joy.

And so, I’m not being glib . . . don’t want to come off as arrogant . . . but I really do think it’s an oxymoron . . . that they are two word’s which don’t make sense together . . . that there’s no definition for “joyless Christian.” O, that by His grace . . . and through His abiding presence . . . I might be, in all circumstance, a Joyful Christian . . . for His glory . . .