Did you know that the phrase “jumping for joy” actually comes from the Bible? It’s true! Jesus wraps up the Beatitudes with this stunning command:
“Rejoice on that day and jump for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven” (Luke 6:23a, NASB).
But let’s pause for a second—how do we rediscover God’s joy in our lives amid the daily stresses, distractions, and trials we may face? And what is that joy we seek, really? Is it just a rush of excitement? A warm, fuzzy feeling that sticks around for a while? Or could joy be something deeper… something more substantial… something spiritual?
During these next four weeks in May, we’re going to uncover the power and mystery behind the fruit of joy—not just so you understand it, but so you can live it, even when life gets hard.
And to do that, we need to take a closer look at three beautifully connected Greek words: charis, charismata, and chara. In English, they’re translated as “grace,” “gifts,” and “joy.” But in Greek, these words all flow from the same root—chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” See the connection?
Let’s break them down further!
Grace is one of those words we hear so often in Christendom that it almost loses its punch. It is defined as “unmerited favor,” and that’s true—but it’s so much more. Grace isn’t just a “nice idea.” It’s the starting point of everything in the Christian life.
Here’s one way to think about it:
In Hebrew, the word for “grace” is chen, which conveys the image of someone stooping in kindness—a superior bending low to lift someone. This is precisely what God does for us in Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-9 reiterates our need for Christ: “For it is by grace [charis] you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (NIV).
⭐ Grace is the source. Everything else—your gifts, your growth, your joy—flows from God’s radical, undeserved kindness.
The word charismata might sound fancy, but you’ve probably heard its English cousin, charismatic. It’s often used to describe someone who radiates energy or charm. In the Bible, though, the term means something far more significant than a personality trait.
Charismata describe spiritual gifts—supernatural empowerments given by the Holy Spirit to strengthen the Church.
Paul discusses these in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, and some of these gifts include teaching, healing, prophecy, wisdom, encouragement, and more. But all of them flow from grace.
“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8 NIV).
When grace moves in, gifts flow out. And when we, as believers, tap into the gifts the Holy Spirit has given every one of us, the Church grows stronger, deeper, and more radiant.
⭐ Gifts of grace are the power of God made visible through his people.
Now we arrive at the word that started this whole conversation—chara, or “joy.” It shows up more than 70 times in the New Testament. When we truly understand God’s favor (charis) and walk in his power (charismata), we can’t help but experience chara. Joy becomes more than a mood—it becomes a spiritual posture and an expression of Christ’s goodness in our lives.
It’s what arises in your heart when you know:
And here’s the best part:
Joy is not the reward of perfect circumstances—it’s the result of grace.
Even in trials, we’re told to rejoice—not because we enjoy pain, but because we trust the One who holds us in it.
⭐ Joy is grace in motion—our soul’s response to the unstoppable goodness of God.
King David cultivated a powerful kind of joy—not the fleeting kind, but the deep, unshakable kind that transforms how we live, lead, give, and love. Let’s explore how David transitioned from irreverent zeal to an abiding joy as he endeavored to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to its rightful place in Israel.
In a desperate moment, Israel made a tragic mistake: they tried to use God.
In 1 Samuel 4, the Israelites were losing to the Philistines, so they reached for what they thought was their secret weapon—the Ark of the Covenant. But instead of seeking God’s will or repenting of their sin, they treated the Ark like a good luck charm, dragging it into battle as if its presence would force God’s hand and guarantee victory.
It didn’t.
“So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated… and the Ark of God was captured” (1 Samuel 4:10-11 ESV).
Their defeat was devastating, not just militarily, but spiritually. Israel had confused God’s symbol with God’s presence, and they paid the price.
The Philistines celebrated their victory and proudly placed the Ark in the temple of their god, Dagon. But their victory party was short-lived. Dagon fell twice, and the people were plagued with tumors. Terror swept through their cities.
You don’t mess with the holiness of God—not even unintentionally.
After seven months of chaos, the Philistines begged for relief and returned the Ark to Israel on an ox cart (1 Samuel 6). It ultimately ended up in Kiriath-Jearim, where it remained quietly for twenty years (1 Samuel 7:1-2).
Fast-forward to King David, Israel’s new leader with a heart after God. David wanted to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, the new spiritual and political center of Israel. His intentions were good, but his method was not.
Instead of following God’s clear instructions in the Law (see Numbers 4:15; 7:9), David copied the Philistines—he placed the Ark on a cart.
That choice cost a man his life.
As the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark, and God struck him dead. The Ark was holy. Touching it—even with good intentions—was strictly forbidden.
“And David was angry… and afraid of the Lord that day” (2 Samuel 6:8-9).
David’s anger came from shock—how could something meant for worship go so wrong? But deeper still, it was a wake-up call: God is not to be handled carelessly.
David stopped the procession in its tracks. He parked the Ark at the house of Obed-Edom, where it stayed for three months. But instead of cursing, God blessed Obed-Edom’s household (2 Samuel 6:11).
David got the message: God’s presence is a blessing, but only when approached with reverence. So, David tried again—this time the right way.
This time, David prepared a tabernacle, assembled the Levites and priests, and followed God’s commands to the letter (1 Chronicles 15:1-15). The Ark was carried on poles by consecrated men, just as God had instructed.
And this time, joy broke loose.
“David danced before the Lord with all his might…” (2 Samuel 6:14).
The procession was filled with worship, music, and blessing. It wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a celebration of God’s holiness and grace.
Contrasting David’s approach to bringing back the Ark teaches us a timeless lesson.
| First Attempt | Second Attempt |
| Imitated the Philistines | Followed God’s instructions |
| Ark on a cart | Ark carried by the Levites on poles |
| Uzzah died | People blessed |
| David was angry and afraid | David danced with joy |
| Zeal without reverence | Joy rooted in obedience |
Joy needs to be deeply rooted in the bedrock of faith and obedience to God’s Word. True joy comes when we honor both the heart and the holiness of God.
Want to cultivate a lasting joy that makes you want to jump for joy (and Jesus!), yet also deeply grounds you in your times of struggle?
TAKE ACTION
Pray for 3 things before beginning each day: 1) God’s grace, 2) the opportunity to use your God-given gifts, and 3) rejoice and thank God in every circumstance!
Want to learn how to grow in biblical joy in your own life and walk with Christ?
Explore this topic more in the book, Abounding Joy, part of our nine-volume Fruit of Faith Series, coming soon to Amazon. Keep an eye on our Featured Items page for updates!
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