Most of us go through life thinking our next house, the new boat or car will make us happy. It does for a brief time. But that excitement wears off quickly.

Joy comes when we have unwavering trust in our Father’s love and know that we are under His protection and care. When we have this trust, we have joy despite our circumstances. Following God brings joy! We know that we are in His Hands and He will see us through all our trials. The following scriptures on joy tell an amazing story.

Joy Comes:

In His Presence. As God shows us the path for our lives, we have joy in His presence and the pleasure of living with Him forever. (Psalm 16:11)

In the House of Prayer. He will bring us to His holy mountain and will fill us with joy in His house of prayer …for all nations. (Isaiah 56:7)

 

When We:

Keep His commandments, we will abide in His love and our joy will be full. (John 13:10-11)

Are righteous. The righteous rejoice and shout for joy. (Psalm 20;5)

Ask and we will receive, so our joy may be full. (John 16:24)

Serve Him. My servants shall rejoice and sing for joy of heart. (Isaiah 65:12-14)

Are faithful over a few things, He will make us ruler over many things and we will enter into the joy of the Lord. (Matthew 25:21)

Lead others to the Lord. If those in heaven rejoice over a repentant sinner, we can also be filled with joy when we lead a person to the Lord. (Luke 15:7)

Become counselors of peace … we will have joy. (Proverbs 12:20)

Act justly … we will receive joy. (Proverbs 21:15)

Favor God’s righteous cause. This will cause us to shout for joy and be glad. (Psalm 35:27)

Sing a new song to Him. We will play skillfully with a shout of joy. (Psalm 33:2-3)

Undergo trials where we learn patience. James says we are to count the difficulties and trials all as joy. (James 1:2-4)

Suffer like Christ did. We are to rejoice and know that when His glory is revealed we will have exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:13)

Are hated and reviled. In that day we are to rejoice and leap for joy. For indeed our reward is great in heaven. (Luke 6:22,23)

Feel Sad. Because the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

Weep. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

 

The Result:

We will exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Galations 5:22-23)

Be filled with the God, the source of hope, who brings joy and peace. (Romans 15:13)

Will pass these blessings to others. God will anoint us to comfort those who mourn, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. (Isaiah 61:3)

Enter the Kingdom of God which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)

Give God joy. God has no greater joy than when His children walk in truth. (3 John 1:4)

DLH  –  January 31, 2013