J o y
God loves joy.
He is joyful and He fills us with joy and love.
“You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.” (Isaiah 9:3)
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7)
Because God brings us so much joy, we should spread it out around this world that is in constant, dire need of it! It brings Him joy and He is happy when we do so. Why? Because as children of God, who is with them always and meets their every need and blesses them abundantly, how could we not be joyful?!
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)
"Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
Notice how I keep using the word joyful. I’ve learned that we tend to associate happiness with joy and think they mean the same thing when they don’t. Happiness is temporary and may be influenced by situations and/or outcomes; it’s about one thing and creates a momentary emotion. Joyful is not [just] an emotion—it’s a state of mind, constant gratitude, and peace. And a relationship with God is what brings us the most joy! He is close to those who love Him and the joy of this (on both ends) is undeniable and indescribable.
If we remain connected to our Father and do what He’s called us to do, to be kind and loving to our neighbors, listen and obeying Him. He will bring us Peace and Joy through our Lord and Savior—The Prince of Peace.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
“The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.” (Proverbs 10:28)
We know faith is believing without seeing and by this same faith we gain our abundance of joy.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)
