Joy
You may know a few people you would call happy, but how many people do
you know who are truly joyful? There's nothing wrong with being happy,
but it more or less depends on the outcome of certain circumstances; it
is largely defined by "good fortune." Joy is choosing to be
glad and at peace despite the situation, even when it is negative. Joy
is God's very nature - something we are because God, rather than a feeling
we have, dwells within us. Joy is also a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians
5:22-23). Joy is a depth of everlasting happiness that comes from the
Lord.
Joy is closely tied to worship or celebration. Many times
the words "shout" and "sing" are used in conjunction
with the word "joy" in the BIble. When we are in step with the
Holy Spirit, the attitude of our lives is characterized by joy. Because
we belong to God, we can rejoice even during the tough times - not because
things always work out the way we want, but because our future is in the
hand of the one who loves us and takes great joy in us.
Joy is a result of knowing the Lord and experiencing
a life rooted in his will.
1 Chronicles 29:17
Nehemiah 8:12
Psalm 51:12
Isaiah 55:12
John 15:11
Acts 2:28
Romans 15:13
Philippians 4:4
1 Peter 1:8
The words for worship (see Worship) and joy are closely related;
worshiping God fills our hearts with joy, and we worship God from joyful
hearts. Joy spills our of our lives in song.
Job 33:26
Psalm 27:6; 92:4; 100:2
Colossians 3:16
We can consider trials as pure joy because they bring about God's
purposes and the reward that awaits us in heaven.
Job 6:10
Habakkuk 3:17-19
2 Corinthians 7:4
Hebrews 12:2
James 1:2-4,12
The source of our joy is the Holy Spirit (see Holy Spirit). Our
joy can never be taken away from us.
Luke 10:21
John 16:21-22
Acts 13:52
Romans 15:13
Galatians 5:22
1 Thessalonians 1:6
It was for joy that Jesus endured suffering and death.
Hebrews 12:2
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