Introductory Thoughts
Today's passage teaches several remarkable truths concerning joy. First, joy is given to man by God--but not indiscriminately given to every man. Apparently, joy is given to those who are not sinners in the sense of wallowing in it. Everyone sins, but this verse speaks to the fact that God does not openly bless the sinner who has no desire for God to help him overcome his sinful ways. Moreover, our passage further reveals that God considers it good in His sight for a man to have joy. This point may seem insignificant, but it emphasizes God's true desire for man. Just as God desires for men to have wisdom and knowledge, He wants men to know the joy that comes only from and through Him. Some may think the source of joy disputable, but James 1:17 affirms that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.”
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Everyone likes receiving gifts; however, most gifts do not last long. Sometimes gifts are broken, stolen, ruined, or worn out. Yet, God's greatest gift to us is the gift of His salvation. This gift will last forever and cannot be broken, stolen, ruined, or worn out. You can always feel joy inside for having accepted God's gift. He wants you to have this gift so that you can go to heaven.
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(For everyone): Does God want you to have joy? Is He willing to give you joy? If so, why dont you consistently experience the fulness of joy? Is it possible that some sin in your life hinders the joy that God desires for you?
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Is joy important to God? Is it important to you? Are you willing to put away the things of this world that rob you of the joy that the Lord has for you?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you see the importance of having joy.
- Ask God to give you the joy that He wants you to know.
Song
Joy Unspeakable
