Friday, April 17, 2020

JOY FROM JESUS



Whom having not seen, ye love;
in whom, though now ye see
him not, yet believing,
ye rejoice with joy unspeakable
and full of glory.
I Peter 1:8

Several years ago, a group of ladies I had taught in a Bible study purchased a lovely bracelet for me. It's a simple silver chain with crystal stones on it. In fact there are 14 of them. I have on that bracelet 7 varied color stones that are repeated. The seven stones are supposed to represent the Fruit of the Spirit. The first stone is a beautiful red color representing the fruit of LOVE. The very next stone, clear in color, represents joy...perhaps pure joy. The fruit is placed in it's intended order via Galatians chapter five teaching. I hasten to add that the colors of these stones have nothing to do with Scripture. There are many interpretations of color meanings in Scripture

I find it interesting that right after love comes joy. Love is basic to all the fruit. Every time I wear that bracelet, I glance over at those various crystals. Galatians, of course, doesn't use the word fruits in the plural because those spiritual qualities listed work together as one and they grow in us out of our relationship with Jesus.

In Scripture, it is interesting to see in Paul's writing to the Philippians that he can't seem to help himself through the Holy Spirit's leading from using the word “rejoice” all of 9 times. The Philippians were a special people to Paul. Paul had to write to some churches with words of correction and even disappointment. The Philippian church wasn't perfect as we can tell by some of the subjects he addresses, but it was a good church, a generous church. He encouraged them regularly in this book to be believers of joy.

Paul in the KJV doesn't use the word JOY in this book, only rejoice. That's okay. The two words compliment each other in every sense. Joy is that inner peaceful delight only given by the Holy Spirit. Rejoicing stems from that inner joy as it is an action word and demonstrates outwardly that inner quality that seems to just want to burst out of us sometimes.

Happiness is a good word, but I'm always hesitant to use it in this context. In our world today, for everyone saved or unsaved, happiness is a quality that seems to be dependent on our outward circumstances. As Christians, there are times our circumstances will not always be upbeat and problem-free. That's just life, but nothing can rob us of our inner joy. I've seen Christians in some of the most dire of events in their lives who, through tears still maintains that sense of inner joy they have no matter what's going on.

There is a very familiar verse we have all read and perhaps even claimed the last part of it. God's people had been far from Him, but were in the process of coming home and were anxious to hear the Word of God read to them. It's interesting to see their excitement as they received the reading. If you and I get away from God, our joy will be affected. Don't confuse joy and salvation. We can't lose our salvation, but if we get away from God, our joy can be dampered.

And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha,
and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the
Levites that taught the people, said
unto all the people,
This day is holy unto the Lord your
God; mourn not, nor weep. For all
the people wept, when they heard
the words of the law.

God's people had returned home and the Word of God was read to the people. Many had never heard it but only heard about it. Here they were, as a people listening and weeping.


Then he said unto them, Go your way,
eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and
send portions unto them for whom
nothing is prepared: for this day is
holy unto our Lord:
neither be ye sorry:
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10,11

The people left but came back later wanting more of God's Word. I wonder when we are exposed to God's Word if we ever weep over it or even get joy from it. Do we starve as the folks in that day, to hear from the Lord. In these days, may we find our strength in the joy of the Lord.

Thank You, dear Father, for Your Word and for Your Spirit who faithfully teaches it to us. May we find joy and strength in Your Word and convict us to tears when need be. In Jesus precious name....Amen




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