Sunday, April 29, 2018

5 TRUTHS ABOUT JOY FOUND IN THE BIBLE

Bible Joy Truth #1: Authentic joy and true happiness is found is God’s presence.
I love that joy is the very essence of God’s character!

1 Chronicles 16:27 says that “strength and joy fill his dwelling.” Psalm 16:11 reminds us that joy and “eternal pleasures” are found in God’s presence.

I love David’s personal testimony of authentic joy that he’s discovered as result of his time with God (Psalm 28:7 and Psalm 34:8).

By spending time with God in prayer and daily Bible lessons, we can enter into God’s wonderful joy-filled presence and allow His truths about joy fill our hearts.

Bible Joy Truth #2: Lasting joy is possible in every season when we follow God’s truths.
God calls us to follow Him and to trust in His wisdom (as we read in Proverbs 3:5-6) even if it isn’t easy or it doesn’t make sense.

But there’s one other blessing that we see when we read Bible verses about joy: God promises real joy (not just happiness) when we decide to listen to Him and live by biblical principles!

Consider these verses about joy in the Bible:

Psalm 1:1-3 promises that if we “delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night,” then we will be filled with joy and we will be prosperous because we will bear fruit in every life season.

I love how Psalm 19:8 reminds us that God’s good commandments (what I like to think of as His “boundaries” for my life) bring joy to a person’s heart because they give incredible wisdom.

Choosing joy during challenging life circumstances is never easy, especially when we are tempted to ignore God’s wisdom and to follow our own ways.

We may think that these solutions will make the pain stop and bring the joy and contentment we’re looking for. But Psalm 119:1-3 promises that “joyful are people of integrity who follow the instructions of the Lord.”

In fact, when we choose to allow the Holy Spirit to reign in our hearts, we see joy as one of fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22).

I’m so grateful that we can learn about real joy in the Bible, and that I don’t have to try to discover how to find joy on my own! How about you?!

Bible Joy Truth #3: Trusting God with our future brings undeniable joy and peace.
It seems strange to find joy by trusting in someone else, but I’ve seen over and over in my own life that my deepest joy comes when I learn to just be still before God and trust that He is figuring everything out for my good.

One thing I’ve learned about joy in the Bible is that God doesn’t promise that joy has to make logical sense for the circumstance. He just promises that He will provide it when we trust him (Proverbs 16:20, Psalm 28:7).

Here’s a Bible verse about joy that beautifully illustrates this incredible truth: “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11).

And then there’s this scripture on joy that always tugs at my heart and gives me great hope:

“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126:5).

Friend, we don’t have to fully understand joy to be able to embrace it during life’s toughest seasons. That is one biblical truth about joy that I regularly cling to!

Bible Joy Truth #4: Joy is an invaluable gift of God that radiates to others.
There are so many Bible verses about joy that share that God simply wants to give us the gift of joy when we choose to trust in Him:

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Scriptures on joy like 2 Corinthians 6:10 remind us that we can have a broken heart but still have joy and give spiritual riches to others. I love that, don’t you?

And I love how the psalmist describes God’s gift of joy as more precious than the most valuable physical gifts. Psalm 4:7 implies a celebratory aspect to biblical joy akin to a farmer’s great pleasure when gathering an abundant harvest.

One of the greatest truths about joy in the Bible? Biblical joy is a gift that we don’t have to summon ourselves.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10 describes God’s followers as broken clay jars who have God’s radiant, joy-filled light shining through them.This Bible verse about joy clearly states that God uses life’s problems as proof that our Christian joy through trials is a gift from God (not something we’ve discovered on our own).

I also love the simple-yet-profund biblical truth about joy expressed in 2 Corinthians 6:10: “Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.”

Which brings us to our next awesome truth about joy…

Bible Joy Truth #5: Joy transforms our difficult circumstances into times of blessing.
Of course it seems contradictory that joy would come during hard times! But that’s one of the best promises about joy in the Bible.

1 Peter 1:6-8 reminds us to choose joy, even during the most difficult trials.

In fact, James 1:2-4 describes life’s troubles are “an opportunity for great joy” because times of trial bring incredible endurance to our faith.

Bible verses about joy like 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 share that God’s great joy (even during difficult circumstances) results in “rich generosity.”

And one of my favorite Bible verses on joy is how life trials can bring great blessing because we know that God will use them as part of our future testimony (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

TRY THIS WAY TO STUDY ABOUT JOY IN THE BIBLE (IN MINUTES A DAY)
Now that you know these awesome biblical truths about joy, why not dig deeper into God’s word and really discover how to apply them to your life?

Let me show you how.


It’s so important to not just read Bible verses about joy and happiness but to study, understand and apply these joy Bible verses to everyday life.

Bible verses about joy are a wonderful antidote to the fear, anxiety and worry that fills our world.

I’m so grateful for joy Bible verses because God uses them show me how to have a truly happy life through daily Bible time. Bible verses about happiness remind me that, yes, I can keep going, and that yes, I can even teach my kids to have joy at all times.

Life can be incredibly challenging, and it’s important that we know scriptures on joy (and happy Bible verses) to bring the hope we’re desperate for.

Which are some of the most encouraging Bible verses about joy and happiness? How can we really learn about joy in the Bible? Here are my favorite Bible verses about joy so that you can be discover true happiness (even on the toughest days).


I also want to give you a really easy way to study Bible verses on joy and happiness (the Joy Full 5Rs Bible Study Resources) in less than 10 minutes a day.

20 AMAZING BIBLE VERSES ABOUT HAPPINESS & JOY
I am so grateful that God has left us with encouraging words–His words–about lasting joy in the Bible.

I cling to these scriptures on joy and happiness when I am need of soul replenishment! They remind me that my situation has less to do with what’s happening than with what He can do through it.

Joy Bible verses also remind me that it’s possible to have the joy of the Lord in all situations. When the hard times come, I can stay joyful if I stay close to God by pouring my heart to Him and filling my mind with his promises.

Here’s a quick reference list of favorite Bible verses about happiness:

Psalm 1:1-3
Psalm 1
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
    follow the advice of the wicked,
    or stand around with sinners,
    or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
    meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
    bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
    and they prosper in all they do.

Psalm 16:11
Psalm 16:11 New Living Translation (NLT)
11 You will show me the way of life,
    granting me the joy of your presence
    and the pleasures of living with you forever.[a]

Footnotes:
16:11 Greek version reads 'You have shown me the way of life, / and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.' Compare Acts 2:28.'You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.’

1 Chronicles 16:27
1 Chronicles 16:27 New Living Translation (NLT)
27 Honor and majesty surround him;
    strength and joy fill his dwelling.

Psalm 19:8
Psalm 19:8 New Living Translation (NLT)
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
    bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
    giving insight for living.

Psalm 119:1-3
Psalm 119[a]
Aleph
1 Joyful are people of integrity,
    who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws
    and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil,
    and they walk only in his paths.

Footnotes:
119 This psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; there are twenty-two stanzas, one for each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within each stanza begins with the Hebrew letter named in its heading.

Psalm 119:91-93
Psalm 119:91-93 New Living Translation (NLT)
91 Your regulations remain true to this day,
    for everything serves your plans.
92 If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy,
    I would have died in my misery.
93 I will never forget your commandments,
    for by them you give me life.

Proverbs 16:20
Proverbs 16:20 New Living Translation (NLT)
20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
    those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

Psalm 28:7
Psalm 28:7 New Living Translation (NLT)
7 The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Psalm 30:11
Psalm 30:11 New Living Translation (NLT)
11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
    You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,

Psalm 34:5
Psalm 34:5 New Living Translation (NLT)
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
    no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

Psalm 126:5
Psalm 126:5 New Living Translation (NLT)
5 Those who plant in tears
    will harvest with shouts of joy.

Proverbs 8:32-35
Proverbs 8:32-35 New Living Translation (NLT)
32 “And so, my children,[a] listen to me,
    for all who follow my ways are joyful.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise.
    Don’t ignore it.
34 Joyful are those who listen to me,
    watching for me daily at my gates,
    waiting for me outside my home!
35 For whoever finds me finds life
    and receives favor from the Lord.

Footnotes:
a. 8:32 Hebrew my sons.

Psalm 4:7
Psalm 4:7 New Living Translation (NLT)
7 You have given me greater joy
    than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.

Romans 15:13
Romans 15:13 New Living Translation (NLT)
13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

James 1:2-4
James 1:2-4 New Living Translation (NLT)
Faith and Endurance
2 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Footnotes:
a. 1:2 Greek brothers; also in 1:16, 19.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10
2 Corinthians 4:7-10 New Living Translation (NLT)
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.[a] This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

Footnotes:
a. 4:7 Greek We now have this treasure in clay jars.

2 Corinthians 6:10
2 Corinthians 6:10 New Living Translation (NLT)
10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.

2 Corinthians 8:1-3
2 Corinthians 8:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)
A Call to Generous Giving
8 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters,[a] what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.

Footnotes:
a. 8:1 Greek brothers.

Colossians 1:9-12
Colossians 1:9-12 New Living Translation (NLT)
9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,[a] 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

Footnotes:
a. 1:11 Or all the patience and endurance you need with joy.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Hebrews 12:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT)
God’s Discipline Proves His Love
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Footnotes:
12:2a Or Jesus, the originator and perfecter of our faith.
12:2b Or Instead of the joy.



#1 WAY TO STUDY JOY BIBLE VERSES
Maybe you’ve had this experience: You read an amazing Bible verse on joy, and then 15 minutes later you find yourself stressed out and frustrated again. Oh, I’ve so been there!

That’s why it’s so important to not just read Bible verses about joy and happiness but to study, understand and apply these joy Bible verses to everyday life.

If we want happy Bible verses to impact our heart (and change our thinking) then we must intentionally choose to apply these joy Bible truths to our lives–regularly.

Now that you know these awesome scriptures on joy and happiness, why not make them a part of your everyday thinking and discover how to apply these Bible verses about joy to your life?

Let me show you how.

MAKE JOY BIBLE VERSES PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE
Here’s the simple, step-by-step way I recommend applying joy Bible verses to your life: The 5Rs Bible Study™ Method. 

The 5Rs Bible Study™ Method consists of 5 steps (Read, Rewrite, Restate, Relate, and Respond) and is designed so that anyone can apply God’s truth to their lives in under 10 minutes a day!


And if you want to discover more happiness and authentic joy in your life (as found in the Bible), the Joy Full 5Rs Bible Study™ Journal and Guide are the perfect next step.

I’m so excited about this amazing joy Bible journal and guide!

These awesome Bible study resources (based on the 5Rs Bible Study™ Method) take you on a journey through 30 Bible verses about joy so that you can finally discover how to have the joyful life that God desires for you!

The Joy Full Bible Study Journal and Guide are:

Perfect for anyone experiencing life challenges and who need to trust God
Great for kids who need to understand God’s definition of happiness and joy
Good study for moms who need spiritual refreshment and a new outlook
And don’t forget: You can try a 3-day sample of the Joy Full 5Rs Journal and Guide–for free!


HOW WILL THE JOY FULL 5RS BIBLE STUDY™ RESOURCES HELP ME BE HAPPIER?
Want to know how the Joy Full 5Rs Bible Study™ Journal and Guide work, and how they specifically lead you into a fuller understanding of godly joy (and to be changed by these happy Bible verses)?

Sure thing! Let’s talk about that.

Joy Full 5Rs Bible Study™ Journal
Each week, 5 Bible verses about joy are grouped together in the Joy Full 5Rs Bible Study™ Journal around one of the following 6 topics:

Abiding joy and happiness are found in God Himself.
Eternal joy and happiness are part of God’s good plan.
Unshakeable joy is built on foundational trust in God’s love.
Lasting joy and happiness are found in obedience.
Joyful sacrifice transforms difficult circumstances into blessings.
Cultivate joy by confidently trusting in His promises.

On Day 1 to 5 each week, you’ll go through the 5Rs Bible Study™ Method on that day’s joy Bible verse.

Day 6 consists of two additional “Rs”:

•“Reflect” on all that you learned that week (perhaps writing down your greatest insights or favorite Bible verses); and


•“Recognize” the ways you saw God working in your life this past week (big and little evidences of God’s presence).


No comments:

Post a Comment