Anyone can be happy when the test results are good, the bills get paid, and the kids obey. But only people who know Jesus can know joy when the test results are bad, not all the bills can be paid this month, and the kids rebel. Joy is not based on the fleeting circumstances of a specific day; joy is based on Jesus’ victory over sin and death and on the promise of spending eternity with Him. May the comfort of the Spirit, the big-picture perspective on today’s problems in light of an eternal heaven, and the confidence that our wise and loving Sovereign God is in control always be reasons for joy!
“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.
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
JOHN 15:10–11
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
PHILIPPIANS 4:4–5
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The LORD God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.
HABAKKUK 3:18–19
I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 JOHN vv. 3–4