"Go forth into the busy world and love it. Interest yourself in its life; mingle kindly with its joys and sorrows." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Three little letters. JOY. What is joy? When does it come? What does it look like?
The word joy is used over 100 times in the Bible. It means an emotion evoked by well-being, calmness, or inner gladness.
As we shall see it is an inward peace that is not affected by outward circumstances.
At the moment we are living in times that are tough to see and times that are disheartening. One of the first verses that came to me was: God gives us the oil of joy for mourning. Just why does He use the word oil. Oil is used to make something run smoothly. It is also used to soothe an injury or hurt. As we seek Him in difficult circumstances the Holy Spirit applies that comfort and peace to our souls. He gives us inward joy knowing He surrounds us in His loving arms.
In tough times it is also time to remember who we are and why we are here. We are His temple here on earth, we are His children, we are set free, and heirs of all that He has. No circumstance or situation can remove us from who we are. He delights in us. What joy fills our hearts as we rejoice in the lover of our soul. In His presence is fullness of joy.
Let us look at Jesus as He approached the final week of His earthly life. What was He thinking? The Bible says that because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross. He knew want was coming, but He knew His purpose. He knew the outcome of the horrors He faced and He had joy.
Our joy in life comes not from things like a new house or a new car, but His presence and purpose in us. Loving Him and others is our purpose and is the only thing that gives us true joy.
So know who you are and the purpose you are here on the earth.
Psalm 16:11
He will show me the path of life; in His presence is fullness of JOY; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the JOY that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is sit down at the right hand of God
Bible Verses From Easy, / Sinner's Prayer
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