Rejoice in the Lord Author Unknown As Gods people, we should be a happy (Psa. 35:9). Rejoicing is commanded (Phil. 3:1; 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:16). It is promised to Gods people (Psa. 132:16). Lets make a study of joy, rejoicing, happiness, and see if we cant a more joyful and happy people. Various Kinds of Joy Consider the Joy Experienced by the Wicked. It is derived from foolish things (Pro. 15:21). For example, to obtain thrills from shoplifting, stealing or by driving a car down a road at 150 miles per hour is sheer folly. The wicked rejoice in these kind of quick thrills. Definitely, the joy of the wicked is short-lived (Job 20:5). One can enjoy the pleasures of sin only for a season (Heb. 11:24-26). Solomon impresses upon our minds the vainly of seeking happiness from earthly things (Ecc. 2: 10-11; 11:8). The joy of the wicked should be turned into mourning (James 4:8-9). Consider the Joy Experienced by the Righteous. It is a joy inexpressible and full of glory (I Pet. 1:8-9). One must experience it to know of it. To describe to someone else the joy which we experience is very difficult. This joy is increased in the meek and lowly (Isa. 29: 19). This joy of the righteous is constant--not short lived (2 Cor. 6: 1 0). Trials, persecutions, or hardships do not lesson the joy the Christian has. As a matter of fact, they can increase their joy (Mat. 5:11-12; James 1:2; Heb. 10:34; Acts 5:41). The joy of the saints is made full by: Abiding in Christ (John 15: 10-11); The love that we have for our fellow Christians (2 Tim 1:4; Phil. 4:1); and Children who walk in truth (3 Jo. 4; Pro. 23:24) Any who are abiding in the faith, whether family or otherwise, bring happiness to all fellow Christians. What Reasons Do I Have for Rejoicing? The reasons for the Christian to rejoice are many, but lets look at specific verses which state reasons for rejoicing. Because of temporal blessings (Joel 2:23-24). That our names are written in heaven (Lk. 10:20). For salvation (Psa. 21:1; 1 Pt. 1:5-6). For deliverance from bondage (Psa. 105:43; Jer. 31:10-13). For divine protection (Psa. 5:11-12; 16:8-9). For divine support (Psa. 28:7; 63:7) For the hope of glory (Ro. 5:2). For the success of the gospel (Acts 15:3). What Can Make Me Happy? What is the source or power that brings happiness? God gives joy (Ecc. 2:26; Psa. 4:7-8). We rejoice in God through Christ (Ro. 5:11). Jesus Christ brings joy; it was part of the work of the Messiah (Isa. 61:3; Lk. 2: 10-11). We rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 3:3). Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). The Word of God brings joy (Neh. 8:12; Jer. 15:16; Jo. 17:13). To know and understand the Word of God brings great rejoicing in our hearts. This is a blessings, a great treasure, that we experience nearly every time we study the Word of God. The Word makes our hearts rejoice. The benefits of prayer brings joy (Jo. 16:24). Thus, through the Godhead, the Word of God, and prayer, we find happiness. Exhortations to Rejoice! Let the righteous rejoice (Psa. 68:3; 32:11). Let us serve God with gladness (Psa. 100:2-5). Let us engage in all worship services with rejoicing (Ezra 6:22). Let us rejoice in all our undertakings (I Thess. 5:16-18). Let us express our joy in song (Jam 5:13). Let us promote joy in other people (2 Cor. 1:24; Phil. 1:25). Let us pray for joy in others (Rom. 15:13). Let us rejoice and be happy for we have received manifold spiritual blessings (Isa. 61:10). There Is Coming the Great Eternal Joy. Saints shall be presented to God with exceeding joy (I Pt. 4:13; Jude 24). Entering the joy of the Lord will be the reward of saints at the judgment day (Mat. 25:2 1). Heaven is pictured as marvelous place of happiness and joy (Rev. 21:4; Psa. 16:11). Through faithfulness, we can finish our course on earth with joy (Acts 20:24). Worldly people everywhere are looking for joy and happiness. They look for it in worldly pleasures and in material possessions. They look for it all kinds of activities: employment, sports, hobbies, etc. They look for it in friends, relatives, family, etc. The Christian does not spurn any honorable worldly reward, but recognizes the greater value in the spiritual. We rejoice not in the things of this world, but in the Lord. As Nehemiah said, 11 ... The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8: 1 0). And as David said, My soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation (Psa. 35:9). And as Jesus said, ...Your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you (John 16:22). The worldly do not remain happy long; they are never satisfied, but the Christians joy, our joy, is real, satisfying and lasting. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: (Proverbs 1:5) Solomon gives us the patterns to make young men wise, let us teach them well. Bill Norton Then shalt thou understand right-eousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. (Proverbs 2:9) The world searches for this ability, it is sad indeed that only a few will choose to look to the law book of life the Bible. Bill Norton Dont stay away from the church because it is not perfect - how lonely you would feel in a perfect church! Bill Norton
Posted on: Sun, 01 Jun 2014 05:03:16 +0000
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