Joy in His Presence

"You have made known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

 

What fills you with joy?

 

Does your joy depend on your circumstances?

 

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

 

What is your response when tough things happen? Is it a response of thankfulness to God?

 

 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

 

This is a very commonly heard verse, but to get the full meaning of this verse you should read the whole chapter of Romans 8, it's definitely worth it.

 

God has shown me in the past year that everything that happens in my life has a purpose and the 'trials' that are brought about only bring me closer to Him.

 

I have so much to be thankful for, why wouldn't I be filled with joy?

 

Some examples of true joy in the Bible

 "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity."2 Corinthians 8:2

 

Though the fig tree does not bud
    and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,
  yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Habakkuk 3:17-18

 

Ok, that is just two examples of joy in the Bible but if you search the word joy on biblegateway.com there are tons more.

 

I want to hear from you, how has God filled you with joy?
What are your favorite verses about joy?