Message Library

Godly Joy

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I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:11

Do you have difficult days where there is little or no joy found anywhere? And the Lord wants us to be filled with joy and thankfulness in all circumstances. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Is it possible to have joy without having a thankful heart, or does joy and thankfulness go together? Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and since the Spirit is within us at all times, then the joy from God is with at all times. The question is how do access this joy from God in difficult times?

One definition of joy is the expectation of something good in the future. For Christians it’s knowing we have eternal life, that the Lord is with us, and guiding us through life toward our eternal home with him. However to access the joy from the Spirit, we praise and thank God. The more we offer praise and thankfulness to God, the more joy we will experience, along with peace and comfort.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100)  I have found reading this psalm throughout my day brings joy, peace, and comfort in all situations. Even during times of hurt and pain, this psalm brings a level of joy, peace, and comfort.  This Lord is close to those who are hurting, bringing us more joy, peace, and comfort.

Take time today to stop and offer thanks to God, and reap the blessing of joy, and peace. The more you praise and thank the Lord the more joy you will experience. God does not need our praise and thankfulness but he knows how we are blessed by his presence through praise and thankfulness.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to take the time today, to thank you and to realize the blessings you have given me. Fill my heart, knowing this life is temporary and I will spend eternity with you in heaven where life is perfect.  Thank you Lord for your love and help me to reflect your love with joy. In Jesus name, Amen