Looking again at the promise of joy we find a classical verse in Nehemiah 8:10, where the returnees from captivity assemble in the open square and Ezra the priest reads extensively from the law of God with a group of Levites meticulously explaining the meaning. This apparently produced sorrow for breaking the law, and repentance, then the congregation is told, “…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” This is in perfect harmony with Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right are pleasures forevermore.” God’s word shines light on our path which leads us to repentance, and this brings renewal, which in turn ushers us into His presence where there is “fullness of joy (and) “pleasures forevermore”. Now in Romans 15:13 we see That the “The God of hope” causes us to “abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” and fills us “with all joy and peace in believing.” This unconventional joy is solidified in us as we abide in Him, and His word abides in us. 1 John 2:24-25 says”…If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father…” This abiding in Him affords us the privilege of communing with Him and petitioning the Father in His name, and His promise is “…Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full” John 16:23-24. With this in mind, and experience, we can comply with 1 Thessalonians 5:16, “Rejoice always.”
I Promise You Joy (Part II)
-By Rose Hill
The path of life to us He will show,
When into His presence we will go.
There are pleasures to be had,
With joy overflowing when others are sad.
You might wonder “How can this joy be?”
It comes when from sin you are set free.
And know you have a hope overflowing,
About heaven, the place you are going.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright by Thomas Nelson Co. and are used by permission.