You give me joy
1. Lord, You alone give me joy that comes from within
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
This cannot mean that we are always happy; this joy is sometimes there, and then it is gone again. Lasting joy arises from the relationship between God and humans.
Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
This cannot mean that we are always happy; this joy is sometimes there, and then it is gone again. Lasting joy arises from the relationship between God and humans.
Joy:
- has a positive effect on our physical health
- reduces stress reactions and helps to quickly relieve stress
2. Joy even under difficult circumstances
Paul did not write from a happy experience, but from a Roman prison, which were known for their brutality.
This joy also endures precisely in difficult circumstances, such as worldwide persecution of Christians, illness, hatred, terror, wars, etc.
In this letter, the words of joy flow from the heart that is connected with the God of joy.
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice. Philippians 1:18 (ESV)
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:7+8 (ESV)
3. Joy has to do with - hurried – fast and with - jumping
God's miracle on a paralytic.
One afternoon around three o'clock, Peter and John went to the temple to pray. At the same time, a man who had been paralyzed from birth was brought and placed at the so-called Beautiful Gate to ask for alms.
When Peter and John were about to enter the temple, he also asked them for money. Peter said, 'I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk!' Peter took him by the right hand and helped him up.
At that very moment, the man's feet and ankles were strengthened. He jumped up, was able to stand firmly, took a few steps back and forth, and then went with Peter and John into the temple.
Overjoyed, he ran around, jumped into the air, and praised God. The other temple visitors saw him, and they recognized him as the beggar who had always sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple.
There they surrounded Peter, John, and the healed man, who did not leave the side of the apostles, (according to Acts 3:1-11)
4. Encouraging closing words
Something in me shows me that You really exist. I am certain that You live, know me, and love me. Lord, You alone give me joy that comes from within. Joy that no one can take from me. Lord, You make my life bright with the light of Your love. (Song excerpt. Something in Me - Albert Frey)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
Near God, joy is fullness. This may also become the basic feeling of our life amid the challenges we face.
Author: Egon Waechter
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