Joy

“Always be full of joy in the Lord, I say it again, rejoice.”

Philippians 4:4 (NLT) 

Several times in Philippians, Paul urges people to be joyful, and the word joy appears over 150 times in the Bible. 

David tells us in Psalm 28:7 when you trust God with all your heart He helps you and your heart is filled with joy. 

Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” 

Where do we get joy from?  Psalm 19:8 tells us, “The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.”  And Psalm 4:8 says, “Greater joy than those who have abundant harvest of grain and new wine.” 

In John 15:10-11, Jesus talks about the vine and its branches.  He tells us He is the true vine and that “If you keep my commandments you will live in my love just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and live in His love.  I have told you this so that you can share my joy, and that your joy may be complete.” (J.B.Phillips translation). 

One day we will be crowned with everlasting joy.  Sorrow and mourning will disappear and we will be filled with joy and gladness.  (Isaiah 35:10).  God will say, “Well done good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things I will make you ruler over many things.  Enter into the joy of your Lord.”  (Matthew 25:21 NKJV).  He will joy over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). 

True joy is found only in God’s presence.  “You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy.”  (Psalm 16:11) 

Prayer

Please help me to trust you completely, Father, and walk on the path of life you have shown me.  To always be joyful in believing, in serving, in giving, as Paul urges us in Philippians.

Amen 

Study by Jill Newman