Joy

It seems that the theme of “JOY” has come up in several conversations this past and present weeks. I have heard several times “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials….” and “Rejoice always and I say rejoice.” After all isn’t joy being produced in us through the cultivating and pruning work of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22)? But where is this joy directed? To this world and the stuff in it, or to the LORD of heaven and all He has there. Listen to the words of this unknown Puritan as he speaks on what brings him joy.

O CHRIST,

All Thy ways of mercy tend to and end in my delight. Thou didst weep, sorrow, suffer that I might rejoice. For my joy Thou hast sent the Comforter, multiplied Thy promises, shown me future happiness, given me a living fountain. Thou art preparing joy for me and me for joy; I pray for joy, wait for joy, long for joy; give me more than I can hold, desire, or think of. Measure out to me my times and degrees of joy, at my work, business, duties. If I weep at night, give me joy in the morning. Let me rest in the thought of Thy love, pardon for sin, my title to heaven, my future unspotted state. I am an unworthy recipient of Thy grace. I often disesteem Thy blood and slight Thy love, but can in repentance draw water from the wells of Thy joyous forgiveness. Let my heart leap towards the eternal sabbath, where the work of redemption, sanctification, preservation, glorification is finished and perfected forever, where Thou wilt rejoice over me with joy. There is no joy like the joy of heaven, for in that state are no sad divisions, unchristian quarrels, contentions, evil designs, weariness, hunger, cold, sadness, sin, suffering, persecutions, toils of duty. O healthful place where none are sick! O happy land where all are kings! O holy assembly where all are priests! How free a state where none are servants except to Thee! Bring me speedily to the land of joy.

O that our joy would reach such nights! Take time in your day today to rejoice, that your joy might be in the LORD.