Great Joy
I believe most people would love to have great joy, but they are settling for a little happiness instead. It could be that they have forgotten where the joy comes from like Israel did until the days of King Hezekiah.(II Chronicles 30:26) Let's take a few minutes to remember where to get joy as opposed to happiness.
Happiness is a temporary condition that comes from life events and situations. It varies from one level of happiness to another, but it is never as intense and lasting as joy. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit of God delivering the deep abiding contentment of God to our hearts. It is exhilarating, and it lasts as long as the Holy Spirit remains in control.
The people of Israel had great joy because the king led them to obey the will of God. They had not done this for a long time. When they started the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Passover celebration, it was so fantastic that they decided to continue it for another seven days. The joy came from the willing obedience of the people to the Lord, as the king was directing them in God's will.
The same thing will happen today for any believer who just decides to do God's Word and His will. It results in real, lasting joy. It will be so great that you will not want to stop the obedience, so you won't lose the joy. Try it and see if God is not faithful to pour out His joy. Remember, it has to be complete obedience from a willing heart.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 31-33.
Happiness is a temporary condition that comes from life events and situations. It varies from one level of happiness to another, but it is never as intense and lasting as joy. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit of God delivering the deep abiding contentment of God to our hearts. It is exhilarating, and it lasts as long as the Holy Spirit remains in control.
The people of Israel had great joy because the king led them to obey the will of God. They had not done this for a long time. When they started the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Passover celebration, it was so fantastic that they decided to continue it for another seven days. The joy came from the willing obedience of the people to the Lord, as the king was directing them in God's will.
The same thing will happen today for any believer who just decides to do God's Word and His will. It results in real, lasting joy. It will be so great that you will not want to stop the obedience, so you won't lose the joy. Try it and see if God is not faithful to pour out His joy. Remember, it has to be complete obedience from a willing heart.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 31-33.