Too many think of God as a stern judge ready to pronounce sentencing at the slightest misstep. Yes, God is holy, but He is also the fountain of joy. Scripture is filled with celebrations, dancing and song.
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. —Isaiah 35:10 (KJV)
God doesn’t want to be our stern judge, but our loving Savior. In return for accepting Jesus’ offer to take our place, to allow Him full access into our being, He fills us with joy and peace and hope, because that is His essence.
Want joy? Ask Jesus to make you whole in Him.
1 Peter 1:8-9 (GW) Although you have never seen Christ, you love him. You don’t see him now, but you believe in him. You are extremely happy with joy and praise that can hardly be expressed in words as you obtain the salvation that is the goal of your faith.
By Carolyn R Scheidies
From First I Bow