loving the LORD always

DEAR GOD: I Find Joy In You With Each Second & Every Day~

by // // No Comments

Joy Of The Lord - Church of Pentecost

Finding Joy in the LORD

One of the most profound and transformative experiences in the life of a believer is discovering and sustaining joy in the LORD. This joy is a deep-rooted contentment that transcends the fleeting pleasures and the temporal highs of this world. It is grounded in our relationship with God and is sustained by His unwavering love and grace. The Scriptures provide numerous passages that highlight the significance and source of this joy.

Key Scriptures:

  1. Psalm 16:11 (KJV): “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
  2. Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV): “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
  3. Philippians 4:4 (KJV): “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Commentary Essay:

To be happy in the LORD is to tap into a source of joy that is unshakable and eternal. Unlike the transient happiness that the world offers, the joy of the LORD is consistent, regardless of our external circumstances. This joy is a divine gift that flows from a deep, personal relationship with God. It is a joy that Jesus spoke about when He said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11, KJV).

The Bible records numerous instances where individuals found joy in their relationship with God, even amidst trials and tribulations. David, in his Psalms, often speaks of finding joy and delight in the LORD. Despite being pursued by enemies and facing many hardships, David’s relationship with God remained a constant source of joy and strength. “But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee” (Psalm 5:11, KJV).

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul is another exemplary figure who demonstrates this principle. Writing from prison, Paul encouraged the Philippians to rejoice in the LORD always. His circumstances were far from joyful by worldly standards, yet his joy was anchored in Christ and not in his situation. This perspective highlights the transformative power of finding joy in the LORD.

Reflective Questions:

  1. What are the sources of your joy? Are they temporal or eternal?
  2. How do you find joy in the LORD during difficult times?
  3. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God to experience His joy more fully?

Moral Thoughts and Takeaways:

  • True joy is found in a personal relationship with God, not in material possessions or temporary pleasures.
  • The joy of the LORD is a source of strength and resilience during trials.
  • Rejoicing in the LORD is a spiritual discipline that requires intentionality and faith.

Ponder Meditative Thoughts:

  • Reflect on the times you have experienced God’s joy in your life. How did those moments impact your faith and outlook on life?
  • Consider the areas of your life where you need to surrender to God to fully experience His joy.

Biblical Ancient Days and Modern Days: In biblical times, the people of Israel found their joy in the LORD through their covenant relationship with Him. Festivals, worship, and the reading of the Law were all occasions for rejoicing in God’s faithfulness and provision. Today, we continue this legacy through our worship, prayer, and daily walk with God. Christianity teaches that joy in the LORD is not a distant ideal but a present reality accessible to all believers through the Holy Spirit.

Christianity Overall: Christianity offers a unique perspective on joy. It teaches that true happiness comes from knowing and serving God. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but on the internal assurance of God’s love, grace, and salvation. It is a joy that sustains us through life’s challenges and gives us hope for the future.

 “Dear LORD -my Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy that comes from knowing You. Help me to find true happiness in Your presence and to rejoice in You always. Strengthen my faith and deepen my relationship with You, so that Your joy may be my strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: We Seek You Word & Goodness In All We Do~

by // // No Comments

The Goodness of God

Reflecting on Amos 5:14

“Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.” – Amos 5:14 (KJV)

The message of this verse from the book of Amos is timeless and deeply relevant to our lives today. It calls us to actively choose good over evil, as our choices shape not only our lives but also our relationship with the Divine. Seeking good is not just a passive wish; it is a daily commitment to live by the values of love, justice, and mercy that God calls us to embody.

Scriptural Examples:

  1. Micah 6:8 (KJV): “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
    • This verse complements Amos 5:14 by outlining what it means to seek good: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. It emphasizes that our actions and attitudes are crucial in our walk with the Lord.
  2. Matthew 22:37-39 (KJV): “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
    • Seeking good means loving God wholeheartedly and loving our neighbors as ourselves. These commandments serve as the foundation of a life devoted to good.
  3. Romans 12:21 (KJV): “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
    • This verse encourages us to resist evil actively by doing good, reinforcing the message of Amos 5:14 that our choices and actions matter.

Reflective Questions:

  1. What does it mean to seek good in our daily lives?
  2. How can we identify and resist the subtle forms of evil that we encounter?
  3. In what ways can we show love, mercy, and justice in our interactions with others?

Moral Takeaways:

  • Choosing Good Over Evil: Our actions define us. Every decision we make is an opportunity to choose the path of goodness and righteousness.
  • Active Faith: Our faith in God is demonstrated through our commitment to live out His commandments. Seeking good is a manifestation of our love for God and our neighbors.
  • Divine Presence: As we seek good, we invite God’s presence into our lives. This is not only a promise but also a profound reassurance that God walks with us when we align our lives with His will.

Intricate Pondering Moments:

  • Reflect on times when you chose good over evil, even when it was difficult. How did these choices impact your life and your relationship with God?
  • Consider the ways in which small, everyday decisions to seek good can accumulate and lead to profound changes in your life and community.

Prayer of Gratitude and Commitment:

 “LORD, We thank You for Your Word, which illuminates our path and calls us to live righteously. Lord, help us to seek good in all that we do. Fill our hearts with love, mercy, and justice, so that our lives may reflect Your divine goodness –we thank You for Your ultimate example of love and sacrifice. Through Your life, You showed us what it means to seek good and to love others selflessly. May Your Spirit empower us to resist evil and to choose the path of righteousness, even when it is difficult. Holy Spirit, guide us each day to walk humbly with God, to do justly, and to love mercy. Strengthen our resolve to live according to Your will and grant us the wisdom to discern good from evil. We commit our lives to You, seeking Your presence in all that we do. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.”

 Scripture for Meditation and Praise To The LORD:

“Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” – Psalm 106:1 (KJV)

As you meditate and praise the Lord today, may His goodness and mercy fill your heart with peace and joy.  God Bless You All~

Goodness of God - Lyrics, Hymn Meaning and Story