Rejoice in the Lord Always and Again I Say Rejoice

[PATrobas]

Reminders – Joy

           The Greek root word for Joy is “Charis,” from which we get the English translation “Charisma.” Also translated as “Gift,” “Thanks,” and “Grace,” these words sum up the substance of joy in our hearts. The following are distinctive aspects of joy.

           First, there is both a present and a future joy we can experience. “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” ^{Romans 5:11} “[Jesus,] who having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” ^{1 Peter 5:11} Then, there is a future joy awaiting us, “His lord said unto him, Well done good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy lord.” ^{Matthew 25:23} Speaking of the believers in Thessalonica, Paul says, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” ^{1 Thessalonians 2:19}

Next, we find that the Holy Spirit is the source of joy. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” ^{Galatians 5:22} “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing… through the power of the Holy Spirit.” ^{Romans 15:13} “And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.” ^{1 Thessalonians 1:6}

Lastly, we see that joy is the evidence of supernatural faith and life via the afflictions we suffer. Jesus is the perfect example in Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross…” Then He told us, “Blessed are you, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy: for behold, your reward is great in heaven.” ^{Luke 6:22-23} James and Peter round it out by saying, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations.” ^{James 1:2} and “…rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.” ^{1 Peter 4:13}

Final Thoughts: It is called “joy unspeakable” because our flesh cannot produce it nor describe it. It is the “fruit of the Spirit.” It is different from happiness (which is dependent on external circumstances,) but comes from within our spirit by faith, and lives alongside of peace and rest. Knowledge of Jesus and the Word of God fills us with joy. These final verses sum up our joy nicely. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” ^{John 15:11} And John repeats, “These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” ^{1John 1:4} The book of Jude ends this way, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” ^{Jude 1:24-25}    _ph

[Sower]

21 hours ago, PATrobas said:

Then, there is a future joy awaiting us, “His lord said unto him, Well done good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy lord.

Neat post, Pat. Went outside this morning  to my shop to get a few things done on the 'to do' list and discovered a dead battery in my pick up truck . Hooked up to the battery charger and the rain came. Well, we have been praying for rain. Timing.

Came in for lunch and read this post. Sitting at my PC in the warm home with a roof over it, eating my meal, I realize just how great the Lord has blessed our family beyond measure. And as your post describes above, I earnestly want to be a good steward of all our blessings, and never take them for granted. Any. The little things.

Have never been convinced just what joy ment, like as compared to happiness. So I looked it up.

Happiness; It is important to begin with a right understanding of what happiness is. The word happy in John 13:17 means “supremely blessed.” This word does not imply an absence of earthly sorrows; if that were part of the definition, then no one could be happy, because sorrows are impossible to escape in this world.

Joy. A fruit of the Spirit. Comforting, content and full of peace. An enduring attitude of the heart and spirit, and a natural part of the Christian faith. It's often connected with, but not limited to, following Jesus and pursuing a Christian life.

So. I realize I am happy (“supremely blessed) to be so full of joy  (Comforted content and full of peace:) 

I'm the richest man I know.       I have "entered into the joy of thy lord.

Thanks Pat...

[PATrobas]

29 minutes ago, Sower said:

Neat post, Pat. Went outside this morning  to my shop to get a few things done on the 'to do' list and discovered a dead battery in my pick up truck . Hooked up to the battery charger and the rain came. Well, we have been praying for rain. Timing.

Came in for lunch and read this post. Sitting at my PC in the warm home with a roof over it, eating my meal, I realize just how great the Lord has blessed our family beyond measure. And as your post describes above, I earnestly want to be a good steward of all our blessings, and never take them for granted. Any. The little things.

Have never been convinced just what joy ment, like as compared to happiness. So I looked it up.

Happiness; It is important to begin with a right understanding of what happiness is. The word happy in John 13:17 means “supremely blessed.” This word does not imply an absence of earthly sorrows; if that were part of the definition, then no one could be happy, because sorrows are impossible to escape in this world.

Joy. A fruit of the Spirit. Comforting, content and full of peace. An enduring attitude of the heart and spirit, and a natural part of the Christian faith. It's often connected with, but not limited to, following Jesus and pursuing a Christian life.

So. I realize I am happy (“supremely blessed) to be so full of joy  (Comforted content and full of peace:) 

I'm the richest man I know.       I have "entered into the joy of thy lord.

Thanks Pat...

Hey brother, thanks. I was also surprised to see that the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the poor...etc." are tied to happiness and contentment; blessed meaning happy/well off. But I think our definition of happy today is different than that which was spoken of then. Joy seems to be tied to inner peace of the spirit/soul and happiness to the emotions. In any case, I am joyfully awaiting the appearance of our Blessed Hope, occupying until He comes, whatever the definition. Blessings.

[Marathoner]

You have the right of it, @PATrobas. Our happiness and contentment in the Lord has nothing to do with creature comforts; how easy is it for a man to be glad when he has plenty? 

[Sower]

51 minutes ago, Marathoner said:

You have the right of it, @PATrobas. Our happiness and contentment in the Lord has nothing to do with creature comforts; how easy is it for a man to be glad when he has plenty? 

"Our happiness and contentment in the Lord has nothing to do with creature comforts"....  I wonder. Am I that wise?

"how easy is it for a man to be glad when he has plenty"...  (To whom much is given much is required)....stewardship

Define plenty, and what of.               There are many with plenty and miserable.

Thanks Marathoner...

 

[PATrobas]

Godliness with contentment is great gain.

[Sower]

11 minutes ago, PATrobas said:

Godliness with contentment is great gain.

So, great gain = great riches. A very rich man............... Depending upon how you define 'riches'....:)

Thanks again, Pat