Joyful Living
1/20/2018


You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

 

This joy, is not happiness that depends on our circumstances and our moods. Through Christ we can have joy in all things. James writes; "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:2-4). Joy is a manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our life. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). Having abundant joy is the difference between attitude and gratitude.

 

Are our lives void of joy because we believe Satan's lies? Do we doubt God's goodness? It's easy to become fearful when the world is full of unrest, pain and sadness. How can we have joy when we experience, heartbreak, loss of job, sickness, loss of a loved one? The list is endless.

 

Does Satan have power over us? No! We need to understand that Satan seeks to steal, kill and destroy our joy, but Jesus has come so that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. God desires that we live joyful lives. "Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy!" (Philippians 4:4 NLV). When we start to waver in our joy, we need to remember that; "He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).

 

Can we find joy in fellowship with God? "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life; the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us; that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full" (1 John 1:1-4).

 

Can we find joy by abiding in Jesus? "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:7-11).

 

Can we find joyduring times of difficulty? "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith; the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:6-9).

 

Can we find joy in praying for others? "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:3-6).

 

Can we find joy in being with other Christians? "Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full" (2 John 1:12).

 

Are you joyful in the knowledge that Christ is coming again? "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy" (1 Thessalonians 2:19-29).

 

During our darkest moments, when we think that the burdens of life are too great, let's joyfully remember; "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12).

 

JOY UNSPEAKABLE

 

I have found His grace is all complete,

He supplieth every need;

While I sit and learn at Jesus' feet,

I am free, yes, free indeed.

 

Refrain:

 

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Full of glory, full of glory;

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Oh, the half has never yet been told.

 

I have found the pleasure I once craved,

It is joy and peace within;

What a wondrous blessing, I am saved

From the awful gulf of sin.

 

 

 

I have found that hope so bright and clear,

 

Living in the realm of grace;

 

Oh, the Savior's presence is so near,

 

I can see His smiling face.

 

 

 

I have found the joy no tongue can tell,

 

How its waves of glory roll;

 

It is like a great o'erflowing well,

 

Springing up within my soul.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Words by: Barney E. Warren, 1900

 

 

 

Devotional: D. Cook

 

Oildale Church of Christ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






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