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This week’s Devotional Topic
JOY AND HAPPINESS
What is the difference to a Christian between being happy and being filled with Joy? Some say….
Happiness is sometimes temporary and based largely on circumstances. Joy is deep in our heart, coming from our faith based upon God’s word and the love of an unchanging God.
Let’s listen to some of God’s descriptions of circumstances that bring happiness and those that bring joy.
James 5:10,11 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure.
I Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
I Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
Proverbs 3:13,18 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding…..She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Proverbs 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
Psalms 16:7-11 I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For You will not leave my soul among the dead or allow Your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.
Psalms 30:4,5 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Luke 2:8-14 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Joy is fruit of the Spirit…
Galatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. We have nothing to fear on this earth as we rest in God’s unchanging love and the Holy Spirit that provides us with a list of gifts including peace and joy. AND by God’s grace we have heaven to look forward to. With these exciting facts in place, live each day in the happiness and Joy of the Lord. Yes, we have times when we are sick and times we are tired AND times when we are just sick and tired of being sick …. and tired. It is times like that when the Holy Spirit brings the word to our hearts and minds and we realize that His Joy is STILL there. Amen
This week’s Scripture:
James 5:10,11; I Peter 3:14; 4:14; Proverbs 3:13,18; 14:21; 16:20; 28:14; 29:18; Job 5:17; Psalms 5:11,12; 16:7-11; 30:4,5; 127:3-5; 128:1,2; I Peter 1:3-9; Luke 2:8-14 and Galatians 5:22
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