How important is the pursuit of joy in your life? When we fall short of the fullness of joy in God, we fail to glorify him as he deserves. Joy in the Lord is a major theme in the Bible. God is full of joy and gives joy to his people. The Psalms are full of joy. Jesus in his life was full of joy. As the people of God we should be full of joy.

God is our joy because he cares for us. Do you see and rejoice in God’s providential care for you in every small thing as well as every major thing that happens to you? He is at work in every detail of our lives.

God is our joy because he gives us what we need. God provides for us in the Gospel. The greatest need any of us have is to be forgiven and to be right with God. God’s ultimate provision is himself and he will provide for us eternally. This life is fleeting as we are pilgrims in this world. Our hearts hurt under the pressures of this life, and we know we were made for another world. We long for and anticipate eternal joy in the presence of God.

God is our joy because he shows us what to do. We are a people who pursue godliness, and serve faithfully in the path God leads us on. We can rejoice that our work is never in vain. When we glorify God by bearing fruit, our joy is made full.

Sincere and heartfelt joy should accompany our praise in order for our praise to be genuine!

Psalm 47:1 Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry. For Yahweh, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over all the earth.