THE
BOOK OF GOD'S PROMISES
Experiencing
Joy
By
J. Stephen Lang
CBN.com
-- Christian author C. S. Lewis titled his autobiography Surprised by
Joy. He believed that joy was a key part of the Christian life, one too often
neglected. Christianity has a reputation for being the "don't" religion
-- a killjoy faith designed to keep people from enjoying their lives. Nothing
could be more untrue. The Old and New Testaments promise us joy -- not a temporary,
fleeting "high," but something that endures through both good and bad days. This
is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go
on all night, but joy comes with the morning. You have turned my mourning into
joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with
joy. Psalm 30:5, 11 In him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in his
holy name. Psalm 33:21 The godly will rejoice in the LORD and find shelter
in him. And those who do what is right will praise him. Psalm 64:10 Let
the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence. Let them be filled with
joy. Psalm 68:3 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for
they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD . They rejoice all day long
in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. Psalm 89:15-16
Light shines on the godly, and joy on those who do right. May all who are godly
be happy in the LORD and praise his holy name! Psalm 97:11 "I have loved
you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you
remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told
you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!"
John 15:9-11 The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink,
but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you
serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve
of you, too. Romans 14:17 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again
-- rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember,
the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you
will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can
understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this
place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully
look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into
problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us -- they help us learn
to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens
our confident expectation of salvation. Romans 5:2-4
The Book of God's Promises -- Copyright, 1999 by J.
Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.
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