Introductory Thoughts
Joy and peace! Any sensible person would readily admit his desire for a life filled with joy. Yet, few people understand the prerequisites for regularly living that way. Previous studies mentioned several of joy’s accompanying virtues, but today’s passage provides one of joy's unifying properties. According to our passage, peace accompanies joy. Proverbs 12:20 also expresses this same relationship: “Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.” Those who seek peace will often find joy in this life because peace and joy are entwined. Isaiah 55:12 restates this truth: “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace.” It is important to note that men will not “go out with joy” unless they are first “led forth with peace.” Peace and joy are always inseparable. Those who have the peace of God after they are at peace with God through salvation will experience "joy unspeakable" (1 Peter 1:8).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): What do you find more enjoyable: fighting with friends or playing nicely? Do you know God wants each of us to be peacemakers? That means you don't always get your own way. You will have more joy in your heart when you try to be kind to others rather than always getting your own way.
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(For everyone): Do you realize that you have peace with God that comes from being saved (Romans 5:1)? Why stop there when you can also experience the peace of God (peace only offered to the saved) ruling in your heart (Colossians 3:15)?
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Peace and joy are dependent upon God and not upon outside influences. Have you lost your joy and peace? If so, you cannot blame anyone but yourself.
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to ingrain His truths into your heart and especially the connection between having peace and experiencing joy.
- Ask the Lord to help you keep your peace and your joy.
Song
Constantly Abiding
