Day 3—Joy
Habakkuk 3:17-19 & Isaiah 12
But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy.—Gal. 5:22
Those who abide in Jesus will be happy, cheerful, and joyful in God. A subdued gentleness will mark the voice, reverence for spiritual and eternal things will be expressed in the actions, and music, joyful music, will echo from the lips; for it is wafted from the throne of God (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 625).
The joy of Christ is a pure, unalloyed cheerfulness. It is not a cheap gaiety, that leads to vanity of words or lightness of conduct. No, we are to have His joy, and His greatest joy was to see men obeying the truth. . . . Plead with God, saying, “I make an entire surrender. I give myself away to Thee.” Then be joyful. The Word is in you, purifying and cleansing your character. God does not want His children to go about with anxiety and sorrow expressed in their faces.
He wants the lovely expression of His countenance to be revealed in every one of us who are partakers of the divine nature; for we have power to escape the corruptions of the world. . . . We are not, because Christ died, left a company of orphans. . . . It is possible for us to obtain victory after victory, and be the most happy people on the face of the earth (Our High Calling, p. 148).
Why should not our joy be full—full, lacking nothing? We have the assurance that Jesus is our Saviour, and that we may freely partake of the rich provision He has made for us. We may believe on Him, knowing that He will give us grace and power to do just as He bids us. He has given us every assurance that He will fulfill all that He has promised. It is our privilege to seek constantly the joy of His presence. He desires us to be cheerful and to be filled with praise to His name. He wants us to carry light in our countenances and joy in our hearts.
We have a hope that is far above any pleasure the world can give; why should we not then be joyful? (Signs of the Times, Aug. 11, 1909, par. 4). Let us strive to educate the believers to rejoice in the Lord. Spiritual joy is the result of active faith. God’s people are to be full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Then He will be glorified in them (Bible Training School, April 1, 1905, par. 2).
It is not what is around us, but what is in us; not what we have, but what we are, that makes us really happy. We want a cheerful fire on the altar of our own hearts; then we shall view everything in a happy, cheerful light. We may have the peace of Christ. . . . If we will be obedient, trustful in God, as a child in its simplicity trusts its earthly parents, we shall have peace—not the peace that the world gives, but that peace which Jesus gives. . . . Life, this life, has much brightness in it if we will gather the flowers and let the briers and thistles alone (In Heavenly Places, p. 245).
Questions for Personal Reflection
1. Are you a joyful Christian? If not, what takes away your joy? Spend some time surrendering those things to God in prayer. Claim His promises to give you joy. Ask Him to give you a joyful heart.
2. Think of some things you can do that will help you to be joyful all the time. Make a plan and ask God to help you apply it in your life.
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