“Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker, let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people, he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.” Psalm 149:1- 5
The Bible tells us to praise God, but we may not understand how to do this. In Psalm 149 ways to achieve this are mentioned—in the dance, with the voice, and with musical instruments. The saints will “sing for joy”.
Dictionaries define joy as an emotion evoked by well-being; happiness from success or good fortune; delight, enjoyment, or pleasure. Psalm 4:7 contrasts two kinds of joy. “You have filled my heart with greater joy describes an inward joy felt through knowing and trusting God. But “than when their grain and new wine abound” refers to happiness resulting from pleasant circumstances. Inward joy is ours when trusting God, but happiness is unpredictable and temporary.
Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites read from the Book of the Law of God. The people cried listening to how far they had strayed from obeying the laws. Nehemiah 8:10 instructs people to celebrate by eating the food and sharing it with those who have none prepared. “’This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” When we give to others, we receive spiritual strength and joy.
Isaiah chapter 35, “Joy of the Redeemed” reveals the beautiful picture of God’s final kingdom where justice prevails and evil is destroyed. The redeemed will walk on the highway (verse 8) “called the Way of Holiness.” Verse 10 states, “they will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
The word joy is used by the angel to the shepherds tending their flocks in Luke 2:10, 11. “’Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’”
Paul used the word joy in his letter to the Philippians many times. Philippians 1:3, 4 says, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I will always pray with joy.” When people think of you, are they filled with joy remembering the kindness you have shown to others?
No matter what our circumstance, we experience true joy from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:22, 23 explains, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” This fruit of the Spirit is the work of the Holy Spirit in us producing the character traits found in Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment