In Psalm 16:11 having just spoken prophetically of Messiahs resurrection (attested to by Peter in Acts 2:29-32) David declares “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” In spite of being “A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (while in His fleshly body) Isaiah 53:3, Jesus was anointed “with the oil of gladness” Psalm 45:11 more than any other, cf. Hebrews 1:9, and in John 15:11. He bequeathed His joy upon His followers! Sure He suffered trials, pain, and walked a hard road, but He endured, focusing on “the joy that was set before Him” Hebrews 12:2, and we are told in that same verse that we should look unto Him. Even though we don’t see Him physically now, “yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” 1 Peter 1:8. And James 1:2 says that even when we endure “various trials” we should “count it all joy.” Sound contradictory? Not really when you remember that Jesus said “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer” (i.e. have courage, I see it as saying rejoice) “I have overcome the world” John 16:33. At no time did Jesus ever promise that we would be exempt from turbulence; but He promised to be with us, and as we receive His word we also receive the “joy of the Holy Spirit” 1 Thessalonians 1:6.
His joy
By Rose Hill
Joy unspeakable how can it be?
It’s because of the presence of God with me.
The Bible says I should count it all joy,
If trials and temptations come to annoy.
For such things will always do their part,
To give me patience within my heart.
Even if persecution comes my way,
The Holy Spirit will give joy all the day.
The devil can’t this blessing destroy,
When the Spirit is filling me with such joy.
So the afflictions of the enemy I can endure,
While rejoicing in God more and more.
The world thinks I don’t have very much,
But I possess all things when in Christ I trust.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.