Reasons For Our Joy

We know we are to have joy in God and in our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said He would give us His joy (John 15:11). “As for me, I will be glad in the LORD” (Psa. 104:34). “Let the heart of those who seek the LORD, be glad” (Ps. 105:3).

We are to rejoice always (1Thes. 5:16-18). But, what is it that gives us joy in the LORD? What reasons do we have for being joyous? Here are a few:

1. God Loves Us: Jer. 31:3 “…I have loved you with an everlasting love…” Think of it. There has never been a time when God did not love us. His love for us is everlasting! He loves us so much that He gave His Son for us (John 3:16). Jesus said that the “Father himself loves you…” And nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:39). God loves us just like He loves His Son, Jesus, because we love Jesus (John 17:23).

But here is what some of us do. When things don’t go our way or trouble comes to us we think like immature children and begin to doubt God’s love. It goes like this: “I just got a raise in pay – God really loves me.” Or: “I just got laid off. I wonder if God loves me anymore.” God’s love does not vary with circumstances. Yes, He knows what is happening to you You must know that He loves you – unconditionally and in all circumstances!!

2. God Has Forgiven Us: He casts our sins into the depths of the sea and removes them as far as east from west. He has given us forgiveness of sins and He does so continuously (Col. 1:14; 1John 1:9). If you cannot forgive yourself, please do not lay that blame at God’s mercy seat. He has forgiven you when you repent and ask for it. You must take the next step of faith and believe it and let you past go!

3. God is NOT Ashamed of Us: Did you ever have someone say, “I’m ashamed of you”? But now our God and Savior. Jesus is not ashamed to call us “brethren” (Heb. 2:11) and God is not ashamed to be called our God (Heb. 11:16). On our side, how many times have we been ashamed of God and His ways. God may not be ashamed of you but are you ashamed of Him??

4. God Accepts Us: People strive to be accepted. They eagerly wait for admission into country clubs, and service organizations. They want to be accepted and approved of by most of the people they know. But the Bible tells us that we are God’s children and Christ’s brothers and friends (John 1:12; 15:15). He owns us and has adopted us as His children (Eph. 1:5). We are complete in Him (Col. 2:10). We also must accept Him as our ruler, Lord and Master. For as many as received Him to them He gave the right to be the children of God (John 1:12).

5. God Is Pleased With Us: Let’s face it, in the human realm, not everyone is pleased with us. But God takes pleasure in His people (Ps. 149:4). He always has good thoughts toward us not evil ones (Jer. 29:11). He is so pleased with us that He wants to make His home with us (John 14:23).

Just think of the wonderful things that can cause you to REJOICE and be filled with JOY and GLADNESS. God loves you. You may know many people who do not love you. But God does! There are people who will never forgive you for you mistakes. But God does! There are people who might be ashamed of you or ashamed to be with you. But God isn’t! There may be some people who have rejected you. But God accepts you! And many times in this life there are people who are not pleased with us. But God is!

These are some reasons to REJOICE and be filled with JOY!

– David L. Antion for Guardian Ministries