Joy! It’s what’s good for you!
Text: Proverbs 15:13,15, 23; 17:22; 21:15
The Sources of Joy
It is a fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness,” (Gal 5:22) It is a trait of Kingdom citizens “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Ro. 14:17) It is a byproduct of faith “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,” (Romans 15:13)
It issues from a relationship with Jesus
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil 4:4)
It is a byproduct of Christian fellowship and service
“Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy;” (2 Cor 1:24)
It is the overflow of God’s joy when we are in His presence
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Ps 16:11) It is a blessing from a real love relationship with Jesus Christ
These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” (John 15:11)
The Occasions for Joy
When we are confident that we know the right answer.
“A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word! (Prov. 15:23)
When we observe genuine justice
“When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting.”
(Prov. 11:10) “The exercise of justice is joy for the
righteous, but is terror to the workers of iniquity.” (Prov. 21:15)
When we are rewarded for our faithfulness
“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of joy above Your fellows.” (Ps 45:7)
When God has protected us “I shall jpyfully sing of your lovingkindness in the
morning, For You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress” (Ps. 59:16)
When we are caught up in worship (Ps 71:23)
“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You;”
(Ps 71:23) When we have a Bible in our own language “I have inherited Your testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart.” (Psalm 119: 111) When our prayers are answered “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” (John 16:24)
When our children walk in the truth “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4)
When God allows us to face suffering
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (James 1:2-3)
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribu- lations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;” (boast, glory, rejoice) (Rom. 5:3-4)
“We are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials.” (1 Peter 1:5-6)
The Benefits of Joy
A joyful spirit brings better health
“A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)
Real joy is readily apparent in our countenance
A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. ((Prov.. 15:13)
Joyful people make better friends
Joyful people make more friends
Joyful people are more successful
Joyful people are more productive
Joyful people have better marriages
Joyful people tend to look younger
To “consider it all joy” is a choice
The choice to acknowledge
GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY
in your circumstances,
and to acknowledge that
HE IS DOING A GOOD WORK
in you and through your circumstances
FOR HIS GLORY.
Your attitude determines your altitude:
Your up-look determine your outlook