Spiritual joy is not the same as emotional excitement. It is not a passing emotion. It is the "joy of the LORD". The Son of God calls it MY joy. It is the fruit of the Spirit. It is an intelligent joy. It is not a carnal joy, like people experience at [some earthly, temporary thing that excites them].
The Lord's joy is a joy of the mind, but is rational. It has spiritual things as it's object. The kingdom of God is ... joy. It is a lasting joy. -L. Justice
"Joy is a cheerfulness - a conviction, that whatever God does is right. It is a sweet agreement with the providence of God, and an intense delight with the Son Himself." - Spurgeon
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." -John 15:11
"And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." 1 John 1:4
"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24
6 comments:
Nice thoughts and scriptures! It does frustrate me sometimes when Christians say that they always have joy because it is somehow part of their salvation. Like, they make the definition of Joy stand on it's head, as of it is not Happiness, because they are not happy all the time, but they are saved all the time. If a Christian were to say, "Sure, I'm not happy right now, but I still have joy." I believe that is contradictory. Being saved does not mean you will be joyful at all times. But, we certainly should be happy. God loves us, Jesus died for us, and we are on our way to Heaven. If that is not a reason to shout for joy then I don't know what is!
Dear Sunshine Country what you have said is so true. What the world counts as joy is so fleeting. True joy is in the heart that is at peace with God and His word. You are such a blessing! May God keep using you to present His truths to us. Time is so short. Hugs
Lovely to see your post Sunshine, and those painted lilies are really a joy to behold too, I’ve never seen that as a real colour not seen here like that, mostly pink, white or lemon.
And yes John is a disciple whom Jesus loved, so not to be surprised that he writes so on joy.. in its length depth and breadth surely the joy of the LORD is my strength.
Praying with you in your burdens and prayers.. Jehovah Jireh.
Thanks for Sharing, God bless and keep you safe, and all those you love, hugs Shaz in Oz.x
{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
Thank you for visiting today.
I enjoyed your post, especially the quote by Spurgeon as he is one of my favorite writers.
I'm thankful too that true joy and hope doesn't depend on circumstances being just right.
His joy is steady because He never leaves us or forsakes us. Even trials can be a time of rest and joy because He is near.
God bless you
Shirley
Love it so much 😍
I often think of the song that says "the joy of the Lord is my strength". For indeed, the joy the Lord gives is not affected by our everyday circumstances but is never changing.
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