HOW TO STAY JOYFUL

2 Corinthians 8:2 Joy is a gift from God - For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit. (Ecclesiastes 2:26) There be many that say, Who will show us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (Psalms 4:6-8) Here are some ways to remain in the joy of the Lord - I. STAY CLOSE A - To the Saviour Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore. [[Psalms 16:11]] And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. [[Luke 19:5-6]]

*[[Gen 28:15 KJV* And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

*[[Psa 37:25]] KJV* I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. B. - To the Saints Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [[Philippians 2:2]]

II. STAY CLEAN A - From Sin - Ps 51:2-12 III. STAY IN THE CLOSET A - With Supplications Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24) B - With Scriptures - [[John 17:1-17]]; [[Nehemiah 8:9-12]] Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. [[Jeremiah 15:16]] IV. STAY COMPLIANT A - To the Lord's Statutes If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. [[John 15:10-11]] V. STAY CONCERNED A - About Souls [[Acts 15:3]]; [[Ps 126:5]] And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. [[Acts 15:3]] They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. [[Psalms 126:5-6]]