Last Sunday, March 1st, the theme of joy was mentioned numerous times – in my Sunday school woman’s group we studied a specific Psalm that was titled ‘a Psalm of Joy’, and it was also mentioned in the preacher’s church sermon as well as we continued studying the Book of Luke. It actually kind of flowed together, whether they meant for it to or not, I’m not sure, but it did in my head as I went back to review my notes. In the Sunday school class that morning, we discussed the true meaning of joy found in the Lord, and in the church sermon later, we discussed the difference in joy and happiness and how sometimes our pride can get in the way.
First, in Sunday school, we are going through a devotional called “Delight” that walks us through Psalms 1-30. One of the psalms we were to read through last week (and discussed in class) was Psalm 16; A Michtam of David – also known as a psalm of joy. The devotion mentions, too, that it is not about joy in circumstances, but of joy in the Lord. The word Michtam (or Mik tam) means the writing is highly valuable, or a “golden poem”. Therefore, it is obviously very important for us to understand what is being said in it. I am going to include a portion of it below that mentions the writer’s joy in the lord, but encourage you to read it in your own bible to see if any commentary is included and just to read the complete Psalm;
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
(Psalms 16 | NIV Bible | YouVersion) (<– you can also read the whole psalm by clicking here!)
The writer of this Psalm, David, begins the Psalm by praising the lord and pointing out that the joy he is feeling is only because of the Lord. That is what we have to recognize too! We may not always understand what the Lord is doing in our life, but we should trust and know that it is good! Our life is in His hands; we need to give him glory! In class, we discussed how joy and peace are given to us through Christ. YES, people can experience success in life without calling on the Lord to get there, BUT it only lasts for a season. It doesn’t turn into eternal joy. When we put our trust in Jesus, that joy is eternal. Personal story – a lot of change seems to be starting in my life right now and change has always scared me and made me negative. This time? I am so excited and ready to see what the Lord is up to! I know he’s working for my good and I find joy in that. I find myself always in a good mood, at peace, and just joyful. It’s hard to explain a feeling, but when you get that sense of joy and peace in your life, you’ll just know the Lord is working in your favor. How do we get to this place, though? Live your life for God. Recognize all blessings he bestows on your life. BELIEVE in Him. PRAY to Him. PRAISE Him. STUDY His Word. WORK for the Lord!
You do need to be careful, however, not to confuse joy in the Lord with worldly happiness and praise yourself (PRIDE) rather than give the glory to Him. It can be tricky! Looking back on my own life, I have let pride in myself get in my way a few times. I mentioned before, after my tragic wreck and building my life back, I would think to myself – ‘I DESERVE HAPPINESS. I spent months/years in rehabilitation and healing – I DESERVE to do what I want! Look at me! I am better because I did all of this!’ Yes, I physically did do a lot of rehabilitation, BUT there is no way I would have been able to do that on my own! JESUS GOT ME THROUGH IT! Yes, it took me a while to figure that out, but I know it now – HE motivated me to get up and work! I would shout it from the rooftop! I want everyone to know the amazing joy and grace brought on by Jesus and ONLY by JESUS! HE pulled me out of depression, HE built my life back and put me where I needed to be, HE guided doctors/nurses/friends/family to help me in whichever way I needed it, HE is the reason I always have a smile on my face – no matter what is going on in my life, or in the world around me. HE is the way, the truth, and the life. We will not experience the joy of heaven for eternity without HIM.
Joy is one of the most prominently important themes of the Bible! – from the very beginning, God’s plan has always been to bring joy and peace to mankind, and it goes through various stories about mankind going through hardships that no one could find happiness in – yet they still rejoice in JOY and celebrate His promises because their joy is rooted in who God is! Isn’t that what we want? A joy that is better than anything we are going through. This can all be found in scripture, so I will include a few verses that spoke to me below, maybe they will speak to you, too!
Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with al joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit.
Romans 12:12 – Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulations, be constant in prayer.
John 16:24 – Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
1 Peter 1:3 – In his mercy, he has given us new birth into living hope throught he resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Nehemiah 8:10 – For the joy of the Lord is your strength.
These were just a few verses I picked out from a list of 22 Bible Verses about Joy (www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/joy-bible-verses/), but I invite you to look through them all! Which verses speak to you the most? Comment below and let’s chat! I’d love to hear other thoughts and ideas on finding joy in the Lord, if you’ve battled with pride as well, or anything else on your mind! Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts today, and God bless!