Happiness consists in tranquility of mind. ~Cicero
The Constitution of the United States names the pursuit of
happiness as an unalienable right of men.
People do pursue happiness.
To be happy seems directly related to circumstances and
environment. Joy, on the other hand, runs deep below the surface,
regardless of the storms above.
Sorrow and tragedy fill the lives of people at every turn.
May we focus on the joy He gives in this journey.
Hearts are strengthened and encouraged through many
references to “joy” in Scripture. The Psalms alone abound with verses
relating to joy. A selection follows bringing to remembrance many facets
of joy.
- But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you - (Psalm 5:11)
- You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand – (Psalm 16:11)
- The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes – (Psalm 19:8)
- Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence – (Psalm 21:6)
- You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy – (Psalm 30:11)
- Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me - (Psalm 51:12)
- My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered – (Psalm 71:23)
- Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you – (Psalm 86:4)
- Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days – (Psalm 90:14)
- For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done – (Psalm 92:4)
- When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy – (Psalm 94:19)
- Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy - (Psalm 96:12)
- Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart – (Psalm 97:11)
- Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy – (Psalm 98:8)
- Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart – (Psalm 119:111)
- The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy – (Psalm 126:3)
- Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy – (Psalm 126:5)
- May your priests be clothed with your righteousness; may your faithful people sing for joy – (Psalm 132:9)
In this selection, various
things express and connect us to the joy of the LORD.
- Refuge in Him, Trust in Him,
- Joy in His presence
- God’s: precepts, consolation, salvation, His deeds, deliverance, statutes
- He clothes us in joy
- Nature sing for joy to their Maker: trees, fields, rivers, mountains
- Tears will become joy
- Faithful sing for joy
Let us ponder the beautiful joy He bestows for the journey
as we reach mountaintops and walk through the valleys with Him. Seeing
the daily sorrow around us, let us trust Him, in the depths of our soul, that
His joy may flow.
A well-known verse, Nehemiah 8:10, references the joy of the
LORD being our strength. May we not forget this precious gift through His
Holy Spirit.
Jesus speaks of joy, the authors who penned the New
Testament write about joy. Be fascinated and refreshed by a topical study
of “Joy,” abundant treasures await you.
God of love, Source of joy,
May we remember Your goodness and provision for our every
need and be thankful to You. Your joy is our strength. Let us be an
instrument powered by that joy, serving the needs of those around us. Thank
you, Father, for Your remarkable and exquisite gifts.
In the name of Jesus, our Savior, Amen
Mischelle Oliver
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