The discovery of joy is often found in the experience of repentance. The turning from sin and the turning to God that marks the conscious decision of a repentant heart is the place from which God can begin to work to bring us joy.
Whether we read of joy in the O.T., as in the book of Nehemiah, the eighth chapter, when people discovered in God’s law their call to relationship and obedience to God or in Paul’s words to the Philippians reminding them that joy was at the heart of every expression of worship in spite of the obstacles and distractions of the world--We rejoice in the Lord! We celebrate the gift of a relationship with Almighty God! We mark our joy in the midst of remembering the provision God has made for us through Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love; just as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:10-11 NRSV)
Jesus’ commands inspire us, allow us, and enable us to love one another. His commands “keep us from stumbling” and “guide us into all truth” as we are led by the Spirit of God to glorify Him and to prepare us for that day when we will see Christ and our hearts will rejoice. The promise is…no one will take your joy from you…when your joy is the Lord who brings you life everlasting.
Jesus describes our experiences as those like a woman in labor, who in one minute is in pain, but when the child is born, delights with joy. As we turn to Christ, our joy will be full…complete…and the continuing reason for our worship and praise to God.
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