Joy

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How can I find real and lasting joy?

PSALM 86:4  Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.

PSALM 146:5  Joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.

The Lord himself is the source of true joy. The more you love him, know him, walk with him, and become like him, the greater your joy will be.

PSALM 112:1  How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands.

It seems ironic that the more you fear the Lord, the more joyful you will be. But the Bible says that to fear the Lord (to respect him so much you want to listen to what he says) is the way to wisdom. Wisdom helps you make good choices that bring joy and help you avoid harmful choices that bring misery.

MATTHEW 25:21  You have been faithful in handling this small amount... Let's celebrate together!

How can I be joyful when faced with difficult circumstances?

2 CORINTHIANS 12:9-10  Each time God said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad...about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me...For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1 PETER 4:12-13  Don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad-----for...you will have the wonderful joy of seeing Christ's glory.

God promises a reward when you endure difficult circumstances because of faith. Anticipating this eternal reward gives you joy in the middle of adversity. Temporary suffering will be placed by a greater joy that lasts.

HEBREWS 10:34  You suffered along with those who are thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.

Hope in God's promises of eternal life can give you joy because you know that what you are presently going through will one day end.


How can I bring God joy?

DEUTERONOMY 30:10  The LORD your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of instruction, and if you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and soul.

PROVERBS 15:8    The LORD...delightin the prayers of the upright.

PROVERBS 15:26   The LORD...delights in pure words.

Can finite, sinful human beings truly bring joy and delight to the Lord, the creator of the universe?  He says yes. God created you because he wants to have a relationship with you, to delight in being with you. But you must also want a relationship with him. A good relationship goes both ways and is built on principles that are simple to understand but difficult to practice: trust, regular communication, humility to admit your mistakes, devoted service, and unconditional love.

Promise from God  PSALM 119:35  Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.