Joy is a gift from God. It is from deep down in the soul. Joy does not depend on what we have or don't have. It comes from a heart filled with thankfulness and gratitude for all that God has given and done for us. This past Christmas we were happy about all the wonderful gifts given to us, but we experienced joy when we thought about the reason why we celebrated Christmas. God in the flesh, came to earth to live amongst us, born for the sole purpose of becoming a perfect, sinless sacrifice on the cross to save us from the punishment we deserve for our sins.
Romans 15: 13 states, "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. In Psalms 32: 1, " Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!" Verse 2 continues," Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!". Psalm 32, written by King David, tells of his repentance, and the joy he experienced. He writes, "Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the Lord" and you forgave me.” Verse 10 and 11 say, " Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and he glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!”
Isn't it comforting to have God's forgiveness, and the joy we receive from him through his son Jesus. Let's tell him thank you.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation and the joy we receive when we ask for forgiveness of our sins and accept Jesus as our savior. In Jesus name we pray, Amen
God Bless