Join in the Joy
Through the years, I have frequently preached about joy. It is more than an emotion (although it includes emotion); rather, it is a settled attitude, a stable and sturdy approach to life that focuses us on the things that matter now and forever. Joy is much greater and much more powerful than happiness, which is event or circumstance driven. There is nothing wrong with happiness. It is certainly better than unhappiness. Also, we have different personalities. For example, my wife is happy-go-lucky. Of course, she has every reason to be, being married to me. However, not everyone can be married to me. We need something more substantial than happiness; that something is joy. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
Three times in the lengthy Psalm 119 we find the writer expressing joy. Psalm 119:14 says, “I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches,” reminding us of Romans 11:33. In verse 111, the Psalmist states, “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage [inherited homestead] for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart”; we observe a similar sentiment in Colossians 3:1-2. The Psalmist in verse 162 adds, “I rejoice at Thy word, as one that findeth great spoil [unexpected riches].” All three of these verses express exuberant exultation at the exquisite explanations and examples existing in God’s Word. Probably all of us would like to have more riches; we would like to be able to help our families, churches, and others more, and we would appreciate more financial security. Perhaps our incomes and investments will increase; perhaps they will decline. God’s Word, however, “liveth and abideth for ever” (I Peter 1:23) and is truly priceless. Thus, we can join the Psalmist in his response of verse 32: “I will run the way of Thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge [set free] my heart.” With real joy in our fresh-as-the-breeze hearts, we will enjoy the gracious words of God’s Word and find the freedom of the long-distance runner on his favorite trail. Ask God to show you something special in His Word today, experience His joy, and then enjoy following God’s good way.