As you know, at Fourthstream we are all about following, knowing, and applying the woven threads of the God Story. Today we are talking about joy – which is a major thread! There is a strength which comes from God and is powerful in very practical and amazing ways. We will do our best to consider the panoramic specifics of what joy brings into the world – and into the heart and life of a Jesus follower.
The Source of Joy – Nehemiah 8:10
The Jews had returned from a long and painful captivity. Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther were raised up to encourage joy among those who engaged the arduous task of rebuilding physically and spiritually. Where were they to find the courage and strength they needed in the face of overwhelming odds?
“Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” We choose joy over grief and pain, right?
The Destination of Joy – Isaiah 55:11-13
When the Bible talks about joy it encompasses both this world and the one to come. It is literally our moving destination target. And His joy will never end!
“So will My word will go from My mouth. It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace. The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up, and instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, and it will be a memorial to the Lord, for an everlasting sign which will not be cut off.” (the myrtle was functional and decorative – dark shining leaves with white flowers)
The fruits of Joy – Philippians 4:1-9
The letter to the Philippians could be titled “Christ Our Joy.” Here is a brief summary of how Paul felt about the different elements of joy in his life. So relational! As you consider the next three paragraphs ask God how He is using these things to challenge and guide your heart.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche (insert people you know names here) to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement (insert true spiritual warriors names here) also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and reaching up with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
“Finally, fellow heirs and companions in the truth, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is well done and good, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, engage these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.“
The Great Joy – Jude 24-25
True joy will have no end. Happiness has a shelf-life. The more we live for true joy the more free we become and remain!
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
We choose joy – it is forever true!
Dave and Burnadette