John 16:22

Many things are taken from us: life, health, things, etc.

The apostles needed joy during unhappy circumstances (Jn. 15:11; 16:20-24; 17:13)

We need joy in an unhappy world (sin, natural disasters)

Many brethren have cheapened the true nature of Christian joy by turning it into something social or recreational

What is the true joy of Jesus that cannot be taken from us?

Joy connected with human relationships (Prov. 17:21; Mt. 10:37)

Joy connected with wealth (Prov. 23:4-5; 27:24)

Joy connected with possessions (Isa. 9:3; Mt. 6:19; Lk. 12:15ff; Heb. 10:34)

Joy connected with unrighteousness (2 Thess. 2:12; Heb. 11:25)

Joy connected with pleasure (Eccl. 2:10; 2 Tim. 3:4)

Joy of my salvation (Psa. 51:12; 71:23; Isa. 61:1-2; Lk. 2:10; Ac. 8:39)

Joy of the salvation of others (Lk. 10:17; 15:7,10; Acts 13:52; 15:3)

Joy of faithful brethren (Acts 2:46; Phil. 2:2,17-18; Col. 2:5; 1 Thess. 2:20; Phile. 20; 3 Jn. 4)

Joy of a faithful family (Prov. 23:24-26)

Joy of living right for Jesus (Prov. 21:15; Gal. 5:22)

Joy of knowing the Lord is on our side (Psa. 5:11; 21:6; Heb. 13:5-6)

Joy of God’s word (Psa. 119:162; Jn. 3:39; 1 Jn. 1:4)

Joy of worshipping God (Psa. 95:2; 122:1; 2 Cor. 9:7)

Joy of suffering for right (Mt. 5:11-12; Jas. 1:2)

Joy of heaven set before us (Jn. 14:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:1-2; Heb. 12:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:4)

Joy that is based upon purely temporal (earthly) things does not last, is short-sighted, is misplaced

Joy from Jesus based upon true spiritual relationships cannot be taken away

True Joy that cannot be taken away, makes us strong and will help during unhappy circumstances (Neh. 8:10)