Joy, 6of7

~ The Christian’s Joy ~

Joy of Salvation (as we trust in Him)  ~  “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit” (Psalm 51:12).   

Joy of Union (as we abide in Him)  ~  Jesus said, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.  If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.  These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:9-11). 

Joy of Communication (as we talk to, and listen to Him)  ~  “And they said to one another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:32).  

Joy of Service (as we work for Him)  ~  “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

Joy of His Presence (as we look to Him)  ~  “Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’  When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side.  Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord” (John 20:19-20). 

Joy of His Word (as we feed upon and obey Him)  ~  “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:16).   

Joy of Victory (as we fight with Him)  ~  “So the two thanksgiving choirs stood in the house of God, likewise I and the half of the rulers with me; and the priests, …  The singers sang loudly with Jezrahiah the director.  Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off” (Nehemiah 12:40-43).

Joy of Suffering (in fellowship with Him)  ~  “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:41-42). 

Joy of Glory (the final result of faith)  ~  “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.  Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:6-9). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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