#16: THE JOY OF THE LORD

To walk in God’s ways and the path of life brings happiness
     and in the presence of the Lord is fullness of joy.
(Acts 2:28, Psalm 16:11)
 
Fully believe God’s Word; then you will be filled with joy
     and have an abundance of hope by the Holy Spirit’s power.
(Romans 15:13)
 
Better to focus on the joy of attaining God’s goals for you,
     than to dwell on present hardships you endure to get there.
(Hebrews 12:2)
 
He who follows the Word and Spirit of Jesus and loves others
     will experience fullness of joy.
(John 15:7-12, Galatians 5:22, I John 1:4, Acts 13:52)
 
Blessed are those who are joyful through trials and temptations,
     for the joy of the Lord gives strength to go through them victoriously!
(I Peter 1:6-9, 4:12-13, Nehemiah 8:10, James 1:2-4)
 
A Christian who follows and obeys the flesh fights against himself,
     but obeying and yielding to the Holy Spirit brings joy.
(Galatians 5:16-17, 22)
 
The Lord is able to keep you from falling 
      and to present you faultless and full of great joy
     before the presence of His glory.
(Jude 24)
 
See one who loves righteousness and hates wickedness?
     God will anoint him with great joy and gladness!
(Hebrews 1:9)
 
When loss comes, hopeless people grieve beyond measure,
     but even during afflictions, a disciple of Christ receives hope  
     from God’s Word and joy from the Holy Spirit.
(I Thessalonians 1:6-7, 4:13, 15)
 
Blessed are those who express their faith,
     singing joyful psalms of worship and praise to God.
(James 5:13)
 
A slothful person does nothing to further God’s work,
     but the diligent find great joy in wisely and faithfully
    using their talents for the Lord.
(Matthew 25:22-27)
 
The kingdom of God doesn't consist of eating and drinking,
     but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 14:17)
 

Note: this devotional is from Proverbs of Faith, Hope, and Love, Volume 1, from Day 19, pages 53-54.