It’s Monday. The beginning of a new week. Start it with joy. Start it by being happy.
“How can a young man live a clean life?
He must be careful to obey your message.
10 I bring all my thoughts to you.
Do not let me forget to obey your commands.
11 I always keep your message in my mind,
so that I do not do anything bad against you.
12 Lord, everyone should praise you!
Please teach me your laws.
13 You have taught us your rules.
I want to speak them aloud for others to hear.
14 Your rules give me a happy life.
When I obey them, it is better than being rich!
15 I want to think carefully about your teaching.
You have shown me the best way to live.
16 Your laws make me very happy.
I will not forget what you have taught me.” Psalm 119:9-16 EASY
Our heavenly Father desires for us to be filled with joy. In fact, the Bible tells us that when we are in His presence that’s where we find the fullest measure of joy.
“You will lead me along the path of life. Because you are with me, I am very happy. I know that I will be with you forever, and that makes me very happy!” Psalm 16:11 EASY
“You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” Psalm 16:11 CEV
God wants our lives to be filled with joy. In fact, joy is one of the attributes the Holy Spirit brings to our lives. Joy grows like a fruit, it adds a sweetest to our daily existence.
“But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things.” Galatians 5:22-23 ERV
Even in difficult situations we can still have joy. There is joy in knowing that God won’t abandon us or leave us helpless but joy in knowing that He has the answers and will bring us through the roughest places.
“ My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble. But this gives you a reason to be very happy. 3 You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. 4 If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.” James 1:2-4 ERV
There was a time recorded in the Old Testament that the Israelites had wandered far from God’s law. In fact, they had been held in captivity, the walls around Jerusalem had been broken down, the temple had been vandalized and God’s word had been lost. Then came a time of recovery.
“They read the Book of the Law of God. They made it easy to understand, and explained what it meant. They did this so that the people could understand what was being read…10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy the good food and sweet drinks. Give some food and drinks to those who didn’t prepare any food. Today is a special day to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong.” Nehemiah 8:8-10 ERV
Be joyful. Be strong. Let the word of God make you happy!