Wednesday Wisdom | JOY

I believe gratitude fuels generosity. I also think that it births joy. I’ve had a remarkable sense of joy these past few weeks since my co-exhibition with my Mom. The past two weeks have been amazing and tremendously joyful.

Many people attended the various events surrounding our art exhibition like our Open House, Coffee & Donuts, and Artist Reception. The turnout was amazing.

My old piano teacher, James Ellis Johnson, stopped by to see my art. We hadn’t seen each other in decades.

Back in the day, I played a pretty mean piano. While I still tickle the ivories now and then, I don’t think I’m as good a player as I was back then.

On the way back home, I met my friends George and Steve in Lindale at one of their favorite chicken shacks. I’ve known George for forty years and Steve for almost that long.

We gave each other the business, celebrated my being crowned the Spring King (winning our UFL picks league), chatted about Zeppelin and R.E.M, the madness of lists, and devoured a lot of fried yardbird.

I even did a bit of modeling for my Mom’s Friday Live Drawing class.

The Bible speaks often about joy as a deep and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that comes from God.

Here are ten verses that reflect the theme of joy:

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1. Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

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2. Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)

“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

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3. Romans 15:13 (NIV)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

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4. John 15:11 (ESV)

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

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5. James 1:2–3 (NIV)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

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6. Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

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7. 1 Peter 1:8 (NIV)

“Though you have not seen him, you love him… and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”

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8. Psalm 30:5 (ESV)

“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

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9. Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

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10. Isaiah 55:12 (NIV)

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you…”

These beautiful verses highlight joy’s significance in our spiritual lives and reminds of ways we can find and express joy through our faith.

Friend, you and I have much to be grateful for and joyous about in our lives. Sometimes, our burdens distract us from our blessings. Remember: if God is for us, no one and nothing can stand against us.

Until my next post…

Be salty, stay lit.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

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