Doesn’t that sound perfectly blissful—fullness of joy? According to the verse above, that kind of joy can be found in the presence of our Heavenly Father, at his right hand of favor.
That’s because, “There has never been a parent on earth who wants joy for his or her children as much as your Father in heaven wants joy for you, his child” [1].
To that end, God has provided numerous ways for us to experience his joy—all augmented as we share in each pleasure with him.
Just for fun, I took that phrase fullness of joy and challenged myself to create an acronym from its letters, to name some of the joy-makers our Heavenly Father provides. Then I dressed up each statement with the best-fitted quotes I could find:
F oster your relationship with God; F east on a world filled with his wonders (Psalm 92:4).
“When I am consciously aware of him,
life fills with wonder and wonder brings joy” [2].
U se time, gifts, and talents to bless others (Proverbs 11:25).
“In spreading my joy, God restored ME. MY JOY WAS FULL!
. . . As we pour out ourselves for others,
we ourselves are renewed” [3].
L ive in community with other believers (Psalm 133:1).
“When large numbers of people share their joys in common,
the happiness of each is greater
because each adds fuel to the others’ flame” [4].
L ift your voice in prayer (John 16:24).
“When I think upon and converse with Thee,
ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,
then a thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,
then a thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,
crowding every moment with happiness . . .
I love Thee above the powers of language to express” [5].
N ourish your spirit with scripture (Psalm 19:8).
“[The Bible] is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory,
and a river of pleasure” [6].
E xperience God’s presence (Psalm 21:6).
“The difference between tears and laughter
is found in being aware of the presence of God” [7].
S pend time outdoors, reveling in creation (Psalm 104:24-25).
“Time outdoors accomplishes a three-fold blessing:
better health, better mind, and better spirit” [8].
S ing (Psalm 100:1)!
“Nothing is more indicative of a fulfilled life,
a contented soul, and a happy heart
than the expression of song” [9].
O ffer encouragement to others (Proverbs 11:25).
“When someone does something good, applaud—
you’ll make two people happy” [10].
F ill your heart with gratitude (Psalm 9:1-2).
“Joy doesn’t cause us to be grateful;
joy is born out of our gratitude” [11].
J ump for joy–because sometimes you have to reach for it (Psalm 28:7)!
“Begin to rejoice in the Lord,
and your bones will flourish like an herb,
and your cheeks will glow
with the bloom of health and freshness.
Worry, fear, distrust, care—all are poisonous!
Joy is balm and healing,
and if you will but rejoice, God will give power” [12].
O ffer praise for who God is (Psalm 145).
“As I decreased my praise time, my joy also decreased.
I found out that when I made a habit
of intentionally giving God the praise he deserves,
I appreciated life so much better” [13].
Y ield to God’s ways, designed for our good that we may prosper (Psalm 19:7-8).
“The ultimate purpose of obedience is joy” [14].
By way of these Joy-Makers and more, we can experience the fullness of joy God wants to bring to our lives—the kind that permeates each moment as we abide in his presence.
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
–Psalm 47:1 ESV
(P.S. Continue your praise, guided by the free resource offered below as part of our newsletter!)
[1] Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, p. 238.
[2] Deanna Chadwell, contributor to Soul Bare, 83.
[3] Barbara Johnson, Pack Up Your Gloomies in a Great Big Box, 197.
[4] St. Augustine, Confessions.
[5] From a Puritan prayer included in Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett.
[6] Anonymous.
[7] Beth Moore, Believing God Bible study workbook, 44.
[8] F. Elaine Olson, Peace for the Journey, 191.
[9] John MacArthur, Ephesians, 256.
[10] Sam Goldwyn.
[11] Brother David Steindl-Rast.
[12] A. B. Simpson.
[13] Thelma Wells, contributor to Boundless Love, 231.
[14] Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller, Songs of Jesus, 199.
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