When you except Jesus Christ as your Savior, joy is the outcome of your step of faith.
1 Peter 1:7-9 NIV “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
This chapter in 1 Peter is talking to Christians who are suffering tribulation because of their faith in Jesus Christ. These trials are greater than gold and may result in glory for Jesus Christ. It talks of the love you have for Him because you have trusted Him with the salvation of your soul. This fills you with an inexpressible and glorious joy.
This is where we begin with joy in the Lord that is better than any we can experience in the world. It is a supernatural joy.
From this point on, your joy comes from the presence of God. Remember, the presence of God is with you through the Holy Spirit. So to find him, you just have to speak to Him. Of course, making sure you have no unconfessed sin. Our fellowship continues when you do this. God wants your heart to be right.
Psalm 16:11 NIV “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.“
David tells us how the Lord’s presence has blessed him. He has guided him, filled him with joy, and with eternal pleasures. Are you enjoying the benefits of His presence?
When we feel the pressures of life on earth and are overwhelmed with dismal thoughts, we have the advantage of going to God and experiencing His joy.
The next time you get down, remember to go to God immediately to overcome these feelings.
We will be looking at verses to help us walk in God’s joy every day:
- When Do We Rejoice? – Philippians 4:4 NIV
- Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23
- Joy in Suffering – James 1:2-4 NIV
- Read God’s Word Daily – Jeremiah 15:16 NIV
- Begin with This Verse – Psalm 118:24 NIV
- Joyful Heart or Crushed Spirit? – Proverbs 17:22 ESV
- Conclusion
When Do We Rejoice?
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This is part of Paul’s final lesson to the Philippians. The first point is about joy, you are to rejoice how often? When you feel like it? Always. That’s a tall order but the more you turn to the Lord for His joy, the sooner you can experience it in every part of your life.
God’s joy influences your attitude. Your gentleness will become more natural, anxiety will be taken care of in prayer and a peace will envelope you in love.
How much nicer is joy than facing trials without it. God wants us to experience His joy.
Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV “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.”
Everyone wants to experience the fruit of the Spirit. These are blessings from God to help us live the life He wants for us.
Of course, they come from the Holy Spirit, something we cannot do without Him. The key to having joy and other fruit of the Spirit is doing God’ will.
So when we allow God’s joy to overcome our anxieties, fears, and grief, we are abiding in Him. This is our daily goal as Christians.
Joy in Suffering
James 1:2-4 NIV “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
During our daily lives, you can encounter many kinds of trials and irritations. Someone says something bad about you, not the end of the world, but it’s hurtful. How is that good?
It’s not good, but the Lord can use that in your life to show you how to handle it. Go to the Lord, tell Him about it, and ask Him what to do. He will help you. This is how you can have joy when trials happen. He will replace the hurt with His joy.
Read God’s Word Daily
Jeremiah 15:16 NIV “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.”
Want to have God’s joy every day? Read His Word. Do more than read words, David says, “He ate them:”
What does that mean? He meditated on it, maybe even memorized it. It became a part of his heart.
God wants you to know His word. When it’s part of you and you need it, you have it. This gave David great joy daily in His life and you can have it too.
Begin with This Verse
Psalm 118:24 NIV “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
The Psalmist is giving God credit for the day, recognizing and proclaiming God’s sovereignty.
Just the fact God gives us each day of our life, should give us joy. His days are beyond the norm and that increases our joy.
This week, try to read or recite this verse every morning. Let it become your habit. God’s Word is so powerful that it will change your attitude.
When moments of irritation try to take over, recite this verse. It works, I know. It takes my mind off of myself and places it on the glory of the Lord.
Joyful Heart or Crushed Spirit?
Proverbs 17:22 NIV “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
David knew about a crushed spirit. Dry bones represent lifelessness, being torn apart, suffering without any nourishment for the soul.
Ever felt that way? We all have when our hearts are full of pain.
You have a choice. God’s joy or pain that never leaves.
When you find yourself immersed in grief or anxiety, pick up God’s Word for relief. Give God your pain.
Conclusion
Psalm 95:1 NIV “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!”
One of the best ways for God’s joy to enter our hearts is praising Him for who He is. He is our solid foundation and we can count on Him every day.
Here is what you can do to have God’s joy in every day life:
- God’s gift of salvation– where your joy begins.
- God’s presence- where your joy stays. Remember to enter His presence every day in prayer.
- You are to rejoice every day and in everything.
- Joy is a fruit of the Spirit to help you walk in God’s way. Use it.
- When you are suffering, you can have joy.
- Read God’s Word every day.
- Begin each day with Psalm 118:24.
- Choose God’s joy.
- Praise God every day.
Take God’s joy to heart. He loves you.
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