"The JOY of the LORD"

JOY

Joy: Rejoice. A feeling of great pleasure or happiness

Joy is an essential component of the Christian life

Biblical joy comes from the Lord. It is the gladness of the heart that comes from knowing, experiencing, and trusting Jesus.

Biblical joy is not based on our possessions or our circumstances like worldly joy.

Worldly joy comes from the tricks/deceit of the enemy and is temporary. The joy of the Lord is everlasting. Warren Wiersbe defines joy as “that inward peace and sufficiency that is not affected by outward circumstances.”

So, in difficult times we can still choose to be joyful because of our hope in Christ. Like Paul, he exemplified joy in his suffering: shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, he still had joy 2 Corinthians 7 he said in all our affliction/trouble, I
am overflowing with joy.

Biblical attributes of Joy:

Repentance brings joy: Luke 15 the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents

Joy is a gift from God: Galatians 5 tells joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit

Joy gives us strength: Nehemiah 8 tells us the joy of the Lord is our strength

We can rejoice/have joy in our trials: James 1 Count it all joy, when we meet trials of many kinds

The word of God brings joy: James 15 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Hope gives us joy: Proverbs 10 The hope of the righteous brings joy.

So, no matter what it looks like, or what your circumstances are, Choose Joy.