The Joy of The Lord
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Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
The Challenge of Joy
The Challenge of Joy
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
In this passage, Nehemiah is responding to the grief of the people of Israel.
They have just had the Law of God read to them, and they are immediately grieved of their trespasses.
Upon their grief, however, Nehemiah turns them back to joy, and we are reminded of something important in this passage.
We do indeed live in a difficult world, but we have a God whose joy is greater than our difficulties.
The whole of Scripture is difficulty!
But difficulty, pain, even death, never get the final word in Scripture.
This morning we will consider joy in three ways.
What is joy?
How do we experience joy?
How do we share joy?
What is Joy?
What is Joy?
The experience of deliverance and the anticipation of salvation provide the most significant occasions for rejoicing among the people of God in the OT. The coming of the Messiah, who delivers his people and brings salvation becomes the basis for rejoicing in the NT.
Though joy includes what we would think of as happiness (and who doesn’t want to be happy), joy is more than happiness.
In a sense, joy kind of transcends happiness.
Happiness has a temporary focus. Joy has an eternal focus.
Happiness has a temporary focus. Joy has a salvation focus.
Happiness - New job, new house, good report card, kids actually obey, enjoying a meal
All of these things can go away, be taken away, or only last for a time.
Joy - Salvation, Jesus, the law of God, the Gospel of grace, love toward neighbor
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
So, joy is one of the proofs that the Kingdom of God lives in us through the Holy Spirit.
As such, joy is deeply connected to life in God.
How Do We Experience Joy?
How Do We Experience Joy?
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The first key to experiencing joy is rejoicing in what God has done and expressing gratitude.
Very often, we think that our emotions should lead, and our reactions should follow.
This often isn’t the case, though.
Usually to feel joyful, we first have to start with gratitude, most especially in times hen it’s easy to focus on the negative.
Lt Col Mae Alexander
The second key to experiencing joy, is documenting all the ways that God has blessed you.
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Perhaps via a blessings journal.
Of course, the greatest blessing is our salvation for those who have repented and turned toward Christ.
The third key to experiencing joy is to say “thank you” before “please.”
Very often, we know what we want, but we don’t take time to remember what we’ve been given.
I think of it like Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter’s cousin in the Harry Potter series.
He’s surrounded by presents everywhere, but he doesn’t appreciate what he has. He instead throws a fit because he wants more.
Sometimes we can be like that, and it helps us to stop and thank God for what He’s given us already.
How Do We Share Joy?
How Do We Share Joy?
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
Christians don’t hoard joy, they share joy.
We have a gift in Jesus, that I don’t think we clearly understand.
People who live only for temporary happiness really can’t experience joy until they’ve tasted the eternal in Jesus.
The joy of Christ is a gift that the world desperately needs.
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Repent
Repent
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
If you have turned away from the joy of Christ, and have instead chosen to dwell only in the broken, the sick, and the negative, then repent.
In Christ there is joy.
In Christ there is salvation.
On the cross your sins are forgiven.
In the Holy Spirit you have life and joy everlasting.
So, dear friends, go and live joyfully, and share with the world that same joy that comes only in Christ Jesus.