THE JOY OF THE LORD
“I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”” Psalms 40:8 NKJV
Many people confuse joy with happiness.
In Hebrews 12:2, the Bible says: “for the joy set before Him… He endured the cross.” Jesus’ definition of joy was absolute surrender to God, and finishing what He was sent for — to die for the sins of men. Death is not a catalyst of joy for anyone in their right mind, but for Jesus it was so, for it was the totality of His purpose on earth.
Jesus’ joy being wrapped into fulfilling his assignment to die for man’s salvation should be enough an indication that joy is not dependent upon happiness or a smooth sail through life. But about doing the will of God, as you live entirely surrendered to Him and what He spoke of you. That is from whence David writes a psalm on persevering in trial, and prophesies of the Son of God — who would do all that was spoken of Him with delight. Selah!
May it be said of you, son and daughter of God, that by His grace you fulfilled the volume of the books written of you and delighted in doing so.
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this wisdom Teach me to delight in Your will above all else. May I not confuse fleeting happiness with the lasting joy that comes from walking in obedience to You. Strengthen me to fulfill all You have spoken over my life, and may my heart find its rest in surrender to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• John 4:34
• Romans 14:17
• Psalm 16:11
